43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders' Conference: Minister of State for Defence Emphasizes Technical Advancement and Self-Reliance for Maritime Security
During a three-day conference in New Delhi, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth called for the adoption of modern tools such as AI and space technologies to tackle emerging maritime challenges.
The 43rd edition of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders' Conference commenced in New Delhi on September 17, 2026. On the first day of the three-day conference, Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth discussed critical issues related to national and maritime security with Director General of the ICG Parmesh Shivmani and other Coast Guard commanders.
During his address, the Minister of State for Defence praised the contribution of the Indian Coast Guard in ensuring coastal security and serving as the first responder during distress situations at sea. He noted that the ICG has played a vital role in saving lives of people stranded at sea, regardless of their nationality. Shri Sanjay Seth urged the commanders to stay prepared for emerging maritime security challenges by keeping pace with rapid technological advancements.
Discussing security challenges and the evolving nature of warfare, the Minister emphasized the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), networks, sensors, software, data, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, and space-based technologies. He called upon the ICG not to be mere users of these technologies but to act as co-creators by collaborating with start-ups, industry, DRDO, and research institutions. Defining 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance), he stated that it does not simply mean purchasing Indian goods, but developing solutions for Indian challenges to realize the vision of 'Make in India, Make for the World'.
The Minister highlighted the ICG's role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and pollution control. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'MAHASAGAR' (Maritime Holistic Approach for Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, he expressed the need to strengthen India's maritime capabilities from coastal waters to the deep sea. This includes an emphasis on advanced platforms, unmanned systems, long-term surveillance, and satellite-driven maritime domain awareness.
During the conference, ICG commanders will also interact with Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan to promote inter-service cooperation. The conference will serve as a platform to review the operational preparedness, logistics support, human resource development, and training of the previous year. Additionally, projects strengthening indigenization through the 'Make in India' initiative under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' will be assessed.
