- Maiden national conference in Madikeri showcases India’s maritime self-reliance push
- MoU with Coimbatore innovation ecosystem to accelerate defence tech, MSME participation
- ICG unveils AI roadmap, cyber crisis plan & e-book on shipbuilding legacy
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, NOV 27
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) hosted its first-ever Shipbuilding, Indigenisation & IT Conference in Madikeri, Karnataka, marking a major step in India’s march toward maritime self-reliance and next-generation capability building. A key highlight was the signing of a landmark MoU between the ICG, the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association, and the Defence Innovation & Atal Incubation Centre to strengthen the defence innovation ecosystem and fast-track indigenisation through the Defence Innovation Hub at Coimbatore.
Delivering the inaugural address, Director General Paramesh Sivamani, DG ICG, stressed the strategic imperative of building indigenous shipbuilding capacity, supported by strong digital infrastructure and resilient supply chains. He acknowledged the invaluable support of Indian shipyards and manufacturers in enhancing ICG’s operational preparedness.
DG ICG noted the significant progress of the ICG’s 200th indigenously built vessel—the fourth Pollution Control Ship—now undergoing sea trials. He hailed it as a “symbol of engineering excellence and technical mastery” achieved by ICG technocrats.
He also outlined the advancements under Project Digital Coast Guard, a long-term initiative to establish a secure, scalable and cyber-hardened digital backbone across all ICG units. Underscoring the rising cyber threat landscape, he emphasised that digital growth must be supported by robust cybersecurity frameworks.
During the event, the DG released three key documents that chart the ICG’s technological trajectory:
- Teaser of the e-book, History of Shipbuilding in the Indian Coast Guard
- Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence in ICG
- ICG Cyber Crisis Management Plan – 2025
The conference brought together senior dignitaries, premier shipyards, equipment manufacturers, classification societies and subject experts from across the maritime sector. It facilitated meaningful dialogue, alignment of priorities and a shared roadmap for future capability enhancement.
With its focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, advanced technology integration, and digital transformation, the maiden conference marks a decisive step toward building an operationally superior, technologically empowered and fully indigenous Indian Coast Guard.
