Indian Coast Guard Day is observed annually on February 1 to commemorate the crucial role played by the organisation in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.

Indian Coast Guard 48th Anniversary

Indian Coast Guard Day is observed annually on February 1 to commemorate the crucial role played by the organisation in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. In 2024, India will mark the 48^th anniversary of ICG Day, aiming to raise awareness about the history and significance of the ICG. It was formally established on 1 February 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India. ICG saved 11,561 lives since it was founded in 1977, officials said. Since its inception to Dec 31, 2023, it carried out 3,899 search and rescue operations, 8,012 sorties and 453 medical evacuations at sea.

•It is an Armed Force, Search and Rescue and Maritime Law Enforcement agency under the Ministry of Defence.

•It is headquartered in New Delhi.

•The concept of forming ICG came into being after the 1971 war.

Functions

•One of the primary duties of the ICG is prevention of smuggling through maritime routes.

•It has jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India including contiguous zone and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

•It is responsible for marine environment protection in maritime zones of India and is coordinating authority for response to oil spills in Indian waters.

Maritime Security

Under SAGAR’ – Security and Growth for all in the Region & ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the ICG has nurtured professional relationships across oceans and established ties with countries in the Indian Ocean Region for Ocean Peacekeeping.