ICG is celebrating its 49th Raising Day on 1st February 2025, commemorating nearly five decades of dedicated service in securing India’s vast maritime boundaries.
ICG 49th Raising Day
ICG is celebrating its 49th Raising Day on 1st February 2025, commemorating nearly five decades of dedicated service in securing India’s vast maritime boundaries. PM Narendra Modi praised the Indian Coast Guard for its bravery, dedication, and relentless vigilance in protecting our vast coastline on their 49th Raising Day.
Founded: 1 February 1977
Agency executive: Paramesh Sivamani, Director General;
Anniversary: Coast Guard Day: 1 February
Formed: 18 August 1978
Headquarters: Indian Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi
ICG is on track to achieve its ambitious target of expanding its fleet to 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by the year 2030. This goal marks a significant enhancement in India’s maritime security capabilities, reinforcing the ICG’s position as one of the leading coast guard services globally. As of now, the ICG operates 151 ships and 76 aircraft, a remarkable increase from its inception in 1977, when it started with just seven surface platforms.
The ICG maintains a vigilant presence, deploying between 55 to 60 surface platforms and 10 to 12 aircraft daily to monitor and protect India’s extensive maritime domain, which covers approximately 4.6 million square kilometers. In addition to rescue operations, the ICG has played a crucial role in maritime law enforcement, seizing contraband worth over ₹52,560 crores, including significant narcotics seizures.
The ICG operates under the motto “वयम रक्षामः” (We Protect), which highlights its mission of safeguarding India’s maritime zones. Over the years, the ICG has saved more than 11,730 lives, including 169 in the last year alone.