February 25, 2025: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday emphasized the growing unconventional threats at sea, including cyber attacks, data breaches, signal jamming, radar disruption, and GPS spoofing. Addressing the Indian Coast Guard’s 18th investiture ceremony, he urged maritime forces to remain vigilant against these evolving challenges driven by rapid technological advancements.

“These challenges are in addition to the conventional threats. The coast guard must stay vigilant to tackle both threats,” Singh stated. He acknowledged the force’s long-standing role in countering conventional risks but stressed the necessity of adapting to modern threats.

During the ceremony, Singh awarded 32 medals for gallantry and distinguished service. He also lauded the Indian Coast Guard’s transformation into a "formidable, trustworthy, and efficient marine force." Highlighting India’s extensive coastline and maritime security challenges, he noted that the nation faces two primary threats—war, managed by the armed forces, and non-traditional dangers like piracy, terrorism, infiltration, smuggling, and illegal fishing, for which the coast guard plays a crucial role.

Over the past year, the Indian Coast Guard has seized 14 boats and apprehended 115 pirates, confiscated narcotics worth ₹37,000 crore, and conducted numerous rescue operations, saving approximately 170 lives. Singh reiterated that a secure and prosperous India depends on a strong security framework and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering the coast guard’s capabilities.

To modernize the force, the government has allocated ₹9,676 crore for the financial year 2025-26—a 26.5% increase from the previous year’s budget. Singh also announced the procurement of 14 fast patrol vessels, six air cushion vehicles, 22 interceptor boats, six next-generation offshore patrol vessels, and 18 next-generation fast patrol vessels, aiming to enhance maritime security.

With the increasing complexity of security threats, Singh’s address served as a call to action for the Indian Coast Guard to remain ever-prepared in safeguarding the nation’s vast maritime frontiers.