The Ministry of Defence convened the 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi starting September 17, 2026. Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth addressed senior Coast Guard leadership on the need to modernise operations and prepare for future maritime security challenges. The three-day event brings together Coast Guard commanders to review preparedness and plan capability development.
What was discussed
The Raksha Rajya Mantri acknowledged the Indian Coast Guard’s role in protecting India’s maritime interests, conducting rescue operations at sea, and responding to emergencies regardless of the nationality of those in distress. He emphasised that the nature of security threats is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in technology.
Key areas highlighted for future focus include:
- Networks, sensors, software and data systems
- Artificial Intelligence and autonomous systems
- Cyber capabilities and space-based technologies
- Advanced maritime platforms and underwater technology
- Unmanned systems and long-endurance surveillance
- Satellite-enabled maritime awareness and secure communications
The Raksha Rajya Mantri stressed that the Coast Guard should not only use these technologies but actively partner with private startups, industry, the Defence Research and Development Organisation and research institutions to develop them. He stated that self-reliance means creating solutions tailored to Indian challenges that can also meet global standards, under the concept of ‘Make in India, Make for World’.
The conference also examined the Coast Guard’s humanitarian and disaster relief operations, including search and rescue, medical evacuations, disaster response and pollution control. Commanders will meet with the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of the Naval Staff to strengthen coordination across military branches on maritime security matters. The deliberations will assess ongoing projects focused on indigenous development and review operational readiness, logistics, human resources development and administration.
What this means for you
The Indian Coast Guard will prioritise adopting new technologies to better protect India’s coastlines and seas. This could lead to faster emergency response times for those in distress at sea and improved monitoring of Indian waters. The focus on developing indigenous capabilities may also create opportunities for Indian technology companies and researchers to contribute to defence projects.