NE DEFENCE BUREAU
CHENNAI, FEB 6
In a formal Change of Guard ceremony held at Coast Guard Air Station, Chennai, Inspector General Yoginder Dhaka, TM, assumed command of the Coast Guard Region (East) from Inspector General Datwinder Singh Saini, PTM, TM, on 06 February 2026. The ceremonial parade marked a significant leadership transition at one of the Indian Coast Guard’s most strategically vital regional commands.
Inspector General Yoginder Dhaka, TM took over the helm of Coast Guard Region (East) from Inspector General Datwinder Singh Saini, PTM, TM in a ceremonial parade held at @IndiaCoastGuard Air Station, #Chennai on 06 Feb 26. The Flag Officer, an alumnus of Naval Academy & Naval… pic.twitter.com/sqGitOQad6
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) February 6, 2026
Upon relinquishing charge, IG Datwinder Singh Saini proceeded on permanent transfer to Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi, where he takes over as Deputy Director General (Coast Guard Selection Board). His one-and-a-half-year tenure at Chennai was marked by substantial expansion of operational assets, infrastructure development, and the successful execution of numerous life-saving operations across the eastern seaboard.
- Ceremonial parade at Coast Guard Air Station Chennai marks leadership transition
- IG Datwinder Singh Saini hands over charge after an eventful expansion-driven tenure
- Seasoned flag officer with three decades of service takes the helm of eastern operations
IG Yoginder Dhaka, TM, brings with him over three decades of distinguished service, having served the organisation in a wide spectrum of afloat and ashore appointments. He now assumes responsibility as Commander, Coast Guard Region (East), overseeing operational preparedness and maritime security along the eastern coastline.
A highly accomplished officer, IG Dhaka has an extensive professional record highlighted by several key staff and command assignments. His appointments include Principal Director (Intelligence & ASNC), Director (Plans) and Joint Director (Officers) at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi; Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (North East); and Commander, District Headquarters–6.
Following his elevation to Flag Rank in November 2023, the officer was appointed Chief of Staff (Eastern Seaboard) at Visakhapatnam. A specialist in Gunnery, he is an alumnus of the Naval War College, Goa, and has commanded several major Indian Coast Guard vessels, including Offshore Patrol Vessels Sujay and Vajra.
IG Yoginder Dhaka is a recipient of the Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) awarded by the Hon’ble President of India, and has also been conferred the Director General Indian Coast Guard Commendation. He is married to Commandant Jagdish Kaur Dhaka, an officer of the Indian Coast Guard, and the couple has two daughters, Simran and Simrat.
The leadership transition comes at a crucial juncture as the Coast Guard Region (East) continues to play a pivotal role in maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and safeguarding India’s interests along the eastern maritime frontier.
