Raising Day of ICG | 03 Feb 2026

Source: PIB 

The Prime Minister greeted all ranks of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on their Raising Day, lauding them as a steadfast shield of India’s shores for their role in maritime security, disaster response, and marine ecosystem protection. 

• Formation & History: The ICG was established on 1st February 1977 to ensure safety and law enforcement in Indian waters. Its formation was based on the recommendations of the Nag Committee (1970) and the Rustamji Committee (1974–75). 
  • It was formally inaugurated as an independent armed force of the Union Government under the Coast Guard Act, 1978, with the motto “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect). 
• Strategic Necessity: The force was created to counter sea-borne smuggling, protect offshore assets like Mumbai High, and police India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS). 
• Organizational Structure: It is headed by the Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGCG) exercising his command from headquarters in New Delhi. 
  • India’s maritime zones are divided into Eastern and Western Seaboards, covering five Coast Guard Regions (North-West, West, East, North-East, and Andaman & Nicobar) with headquarters at Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Port Blair. Each region is commanded by an Inspector General. 
• Mandate: The ICG safeguards offshore resources, enforces maritime laws, assists mariners in distress, and protects the marine environment. It also collects scientific data and supports the Navy during war.