In his handle on the forty second ICG Commanders’ Conference held on the pressure’s headquarters right here, Mr. Singh additionally underlined that cyber and digital warfare are “no longer hypothetical threats”, however present-day realities.
“A nation may attempt to paralyse our systems not with missiles, but through hacking, cyber-attacks and electronic jamming. The ICG must continuously adapt, upgrade its training and equipment to guard against such threats. Automated surveillance networks and AI-enabled systems are essential to reduce response times to seconds and ensure readiness at all times,” he stated.
The Defence Minister stated warfare is now “measured in hours and seconds, not months, with satellites, drones and sensors redefining the nature of conflict”.
Mr. Singh underlined that India’s 7,500-km shoreline, together with island territories such because the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, poses “enormous challenges”, requiring superior expertise, well-trained personnel and round the clock surveillance.
He emphasised that maritime threats have gotten more and more technology-driven and multi-dimensional.
“What were once predictable patterns of smuggling or piracy have now evolved into sophisticated operations using GPS spoofing, remote-controlled boats, encrypted communications, drones, satellite phones and even networks operating on the dark web,” he stated.
Mr. Singh additionally warned that terrorist organisations exploit trendy instruments, reminiscent of digital mapping and real-time intelligence, to plan their actions.
“Traditional methods are no longer sufficient, we must be ahead of criminals and adversaries by integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning-based surveillance, drones, cyber-defence systems and automated response mechanisms into our maritime security framework,” he stated.
The convention is being held from September 28 to 30 within the backdrop of “evolving maritime security challenges” and the rising strategic significance of the Indian Ocean Region.
Mr. Singh described the ICG as an important pillar of nationwide safety that has reworked itself from a modest fleet at inception right into a formidable pressure with 152 vessels and 78 plane.
Mr. Since its institution, the ICG has apprehended 1,638 overseas vessels and 13,775 overseas fishermen concerned in unlawful actions inside Indian waters, the defence ministry stated in a press release.
“It has also seized 6,430 kilograms of narcotics, valued at ₹37,833 crore, highlighting its increasing effectiveness in combatting transnational maritime crime. The ICG’s dedication to search and rescue (SAR) operations has been notable, with 76 missions conducted by July this year, saving 74 lives, and a cumulative record of over 14,500 lives rescued in disaster response operations,” it stated.
“Whether it is responding to cyclones, oil spills, industrial accidents, or foreign vessels in distress, ICG has always acted swiftly to protect lives and property. The world judges India by how we act in such crises, and the ICG has consistently brought us honour,” Mr. Singh was quoted as saying within the assertion.
The Defence Minister additionally underscored the ICG’s distinctive mandate of working on the intersection of exterior and inside safety.
“By patrolling the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the ICG not only deters external threats but also addresses illegal fishing, drug and arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, marine pollution and irregular maritime activities,” he stated.
Mr. Singh additionally stated the “seamless manner” wherein the ICG works in actual time with the civil administration and different forces strengthens your complete nationwide safety structure, including, “You are no longer just a security provider, you are a true force multiplier.” The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to modernising the ICG, noting that just about 90% of its capital finances is allotted to indigenous belongings.
Mr. Singh drew the distinction between land and maritime borders, noting that whereas land boundaries are everlasting, clearly marked and comparatively predictable, maritime borders are fluid and always shifting attributable to tides, waves and climate.
“A smuggling vessel may look like a fishing boat, a terrorist group may exploit the openness of the sea, and threats may emerge invisibly. Maritime security is far more complex and unpredictable than land borders and demands constant vigilance,” he stated.
The Defence Minister counseled the ICG’s strides in ladies empowerment, mentioning that girls officers in the present day serve not solely in assist roles but in addition as frontline warriors.
Citing developments in Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal and different nations within the area that affect coastal safety, particularly within the Bay of Bengal, he urged the ICG to keep up not simply routine surveillance but in addition geopolitical consciousness and readiness to reply swiftly to exterior developments.
“A disruption in maritime trade, whether physical or cyber, can have cascading effects on security and economy alike. We must treat national security and economic security as one and the same,” Mr. Singh stated, including, “Preparedness, adaptability and rapid response must be the cornerstones of the ICG’s vision.”
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