DG ICG Stresses Self-Reliance in Shipbuilding
Director General Paramesh Sivamani highlighted the strategic importance of self-reliance in shipbuilding, emphasising indigenous design, resilient supply chains and a strong digital backbone. He lauded Indian shipyards and equipment manufacturers for their role in enhancing the ICG’s operational readiness.
DG Sivamani spotlighted the progress of the 200th indigenously built vessel the fourth Pollution Control Ship which is undergoing sea trials and stands as a testament to the technical proficiency of ICG engineers and domestic shipbuilding firms.
Project Digital Coast Guard and Cyber Preparedness
The conference featured updates on Project Digital Coast Guard, a long-term initiative to establish a secure, scalable and resilient digital backbone across ICG units. DG Sivamani stressed that digital expansion must be matched with robust cybersecurity measures to ensure mission continuity and data integrity.
In line with that, the ICG released its Cyber Crisis Management Plan-2025 during the event, underscoring readiness to respond to cyber incidents and protect critical maritime infrastructure.
AI Roadmap and Historical Teaser
ICG also unveiled its Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence, outlining how AI can support surveillance, predictive maintenance, and decision-making. Additionally, a teaser for an e-book titled ‘History of Shipbuilding in the Indian Coast Guard’ was released to document the force’s indigenous shipbuilding journey.
MoU to Strengthen Defence Innovation Ecosystem
The MoU with the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association and the Defence Innovation & Atal Incubation Centre aims to create a Defence Innovation Hub that will facilitate collaboration between start-ups, MSMEs, research institutions and the ICG. The hub will focus on prototyping, testing, and accelerating indigenised maritime technologies.
This public–private partnership model is expected to fast-track the adoption of home-grown solutions and support the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat objectives.
Industry Engagement and Way Forward
The conference enabled meaningful exchanges among stakeholders to align future requirements of the ICG. Senior officials, shipbuilders, equipment suppliers and subject-matter experts discussed supply chain resilience, classification standards, and integration of digital tools across platforms.
Participants noted that collaborative frameworks and innovation hubs can shorten development cycles for indigenous systems, reduce dependence on imports, and enhance the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities.
