- Decorated officer with 36 years of service assumes command at ceremonial parade in Mumbai
- Veteran seafarer who has commanded all classes of ICG ships to steer western maritime security
- “Vayam Raksham – We Protect”: Commander vows tighter coordination to strengthen coastal safety
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, JAN 19
In a significant leadership transition for India’s maritime security architecture, Additional Director General M.V. Pathak, PTM, TM, assumed charge as Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard) on Monday, January 19, 2026, during an impressive ceremonial parade held in Mumbai.
A highly decorated flag officer, ADG Pathak brings with him nearly four decades of operational and administrative experience, reinforcing the Indian Coast Guard’s pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s western maritime frontiers.
A Career Forged at Sea and Ashore
Commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard in July 1989, ADG M.V. Pathak has the rare distinction of commanding all classes of Coast Guard ships, reflecting his deep operational expertise across the service’s diverse fleet.
His distinguished career spans several critical shore appointments, including Chief of Staff, Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard), Mumbai; Commander Coast Guard (Kerala & Mahe); Principal Director (Administration), New Delhi; Commander Coast Guard Region (Andaman & Nicobar), Port Blair; Commander Coast Guard Region (North East), Kolkata; and Deputy Director General (Operations and Coastal Security) at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi.
Prior to assuming his current role, he served as Deputy Director General (CGSB) at New Delhi, contributing to strategic planning and institutional strengthening.
Decorated for Distinguished Service
In recognition of his exemplary service to the nation, ADG Pathak is a recipient of the President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and the Tatrakshak Medal (TM)—among the highest honours awarded by the Indian Coast Guard.
Focus on Stronger Coastal Security
On assuming command of the Western Seaboard—one of India’s most strategically vital maritime zones—ADG Pathak reiterated his priority of working in close coordination with both State and Central agencies to further strengthen coastal security, maritime safety and operational readiness.
He reaffirmed the Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to its motto,
“Vayam Raksham” — “We Protect,”
underscoring the service’s role as the nation’s frontline maritime sentinel.
With his vast operational insight and leadership experience, ADG M.V. Pathak’s assumption of command is expected to further enhance India’s coastal security posture along the Western Seaboard.
