- President Droupadi Murmu approves distinguished honours for Indian Coast Guard personnel on the eve of the 77th Republic Day
- ICG’s expanding role in safeguarding India’s maritime domain and blue economy gains national recognition
- From gallantry to meritorious service — Coast Guard excellence exemplified as India intensifies maritime security efforts
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JAN 25
On the eve of 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu has approved a distinguished set of awards for exemplary personnel of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) — recognising their unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s vast maritime frontiers, blue waters and coastal interests.
This year’s honours include the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service), Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Tatrakshak Medals (Gallantry & Meritorious Service) and posthumous gallantry medals, underscoring the courage, professionalism and selfless service of Coast Guard officers and sailors.
The recipients are:
• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal — ADG Donny Michael, PTM, TM
• Vishisht Seva Medal — DIG KS Sitaram
• President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished) — IG Iqbal Singh Chauhan, TM; IG Datwinder Singh Saini, TM
• Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak — P/Nvk(ME) Saumyaranjan Behera
• Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) — Posthumous: Late Comdt Rakesh Kumar Rana; Late Comdt (JG) Vipin Babu; Late P/Nvk(RP) Karan Singh
Gallantry: Comdt (JG) Shailendra Singh Bisht; P/Nvk(RP) Gautam Yadav; P/Nvk(RP) Banti Kumar
• Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service) — DIG Vinod Kumar Parmar; DIG Arun Kumar Bhardwaj; DIG Sudhakar Patil; Comdt Indu P; P/Adh(RO) Tapas Kumar Banerjee
These honours come at a time when the ICG is significantly enhancing its operational capabilities to secure India’s 4.6 million sq-km maritime Search & Rescue Region and contribute to regional maritime security. The force maintains relentless vigilance with dozens of surface platforms and aircraft deployed daily to protect sea lanes, support maritime trade and sustain India’s blue economy.
The ICG’s role extends beyond search and rescue — intercepting illegal activities, combating smuggling and narcotics trafficking, responding to maritime disasters and protecting the marine environment. In recent years, the Coast Guard has seized high-value contraband at sea and effectively coordinated multi-agency coastal security exercises, reinforcing its mandate as a frontline maritime guardian.
Strategic expansions include new fast patrol vessels and coastal surveillance initiatives, advanced infrastructure like dedicated jetties, and future aspirations such as hosting the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit in Chennai in 2027, cementing India’s leadership in international maritime cooperation.
As India celebrates its Republic, these awards spotlight the Indian Coast Guard’s pivotal role in national security, inspiring the next generation of maritime professionals to protect blue waters with courage and commitment.
