The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a Maritime Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue agency that has jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone. The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on 1 February, 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India, equipped with two corvettes and five patrol boats. Thus, each year, Indian Coast Guard Day is celebrated on 1st February to mark its foundation day.
The ICG has played a significant role in securing the Indian Coasts and enforcing regulations within the maritime zones of India. It protects India’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone. The Coast Guard works in close cooperation with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Revenue (Customs), and the Central and State police forces.
The reason behind the Indian Navy raising the issue for the establishment of the Indian Coast Guard was basically because of the seaborne smuggling which was turmoil to the Indian economy. To counter this problem, the customs department called the Navy for assistance with patrol and interception of smuggling. Thus to fill the gap between the Customs department, central and state police the government agreed-upon raising the force we know today as the Indian Coast Guard. Vice Admiral V A Kamath of the Indian Navy was appointed as the founding Director-General of the force.
True to its motto “Vayam Rakshamah” meaning ‘We protect’, the service has to its credit saving over 10,000 lives and apprehending around 14,000 miscreants since its inception. On average, the Coast Guard saves one life every second day at sea.
Despite the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICG has maintained 24×7 vigil in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by deploying about 50 ships and 12 aircraft daily. The deterrence at sea and coordinated air surveillance by the service enabled the seizure of contraband worth about 1,500 crore rupees and apprehension of more than 10 foreign fishing boats with 80 miscreants illegally operating in the Indian EEZ in the year 2020. This year, i.e., in 2021, Indian Coast Guard is going to celebrate its 45th Raising Day, marking 45 years of its glorious service to the nation.
