India has won bid to host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) in 2027 in Chennai. The decision was made by consensus at the 4th CGGS held in Rome (2025), attended by delegates from 115 countries and international organisations. The 2027 summit will coincide with the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) 50th Anniversary (Swarnim Jayanti), symbolising India’s growing role in global maritime security and cooperation.
Highlights of 5th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS)
- Host City: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Duration: Three-day event in 2027.
- Main Features:
- International Coast Guard Fleet Review – showcasing global maritime capabilities.
- World Coast Guard Seminar – fostering dialogue on global maritime security.
- Platform to build interoperability, trust, and cooperation among Coast Guards worldwide.
- Objectives:
- Address common maritime threats like piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and marine pollution.
- Enhance maritime cooperation & information-sharing.
- Strengthen collective responses to maritime security & environmental challenges.
- Reinforce India’s vision of SAGAR – “Security and Growth for All in the Region.”
Bilateral Engagements (Rome Summit, 2025)
- On sidelines of the 4th CGGS, DG Indian Coast Guard held talks with Commandant of Italian Coast Guard.
- Discussions focused on:
- India–Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029.
- Collaboration in Maritime Search & Rescue (M-SAR), pollution response, environmental protection, maritime crime prevention, capacity building, and information-sharing.
About Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
- Role: India’s maritime law enforcement & search and rescue (SAR) force under the Ministry of Defence.
- Status: Fourth armed force of India; primary responsibilities include coastal security, EEZ protection, anti-smuggling, and environmental protection.
Establishment:
- Concept originated from Nag Committee (1970) and K.F. Rustamji Committee (1974).
- Formally raised on 1 February 1977 with 2 frigates & 5 patrol boats (from Indian Navy).
- Inaugurated on 19 August 1978 by PM Morarji Desai at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
- First DG: Vice Admiral V.A. Kamath.
Functions:
- Law Enforcement: Anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, enforcement of Maritime Zones of India Act.
- Search & Rescue (SAR): Assists fishermen, seafarers in distress.
- Pollution Control & Marine Environment Protection.
- Offshore Security: Safeguards installations like Mumbai High.
- Maritime Surveillance: Patrols India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ – 2.01 million sq km).
- National Security: Works with Indian Navy, coastal police, and intelligence agencies for coastal defence.
Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS)
- Multilateral forum uniting coast guards & maritime security agencies globally.
- Discusses transnational maritime challenges like piracy, illegal trade, and environmental protection.
- India will host 5th edition (2027) after 4th edition in Rome (2025).
SAGAR Vision
- Launched: 2015 by PM Narendra Modi.
- Full form: Security and Growth for All in the Region.
- Objective: Strengthen maritime security, cooperation, and inclusive growth in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Indian Maritime Security Context
- India’s coastline: 7,516 km.
- EEZ: 2.01 million sq km.
- Major Maritime Security Agencies:
- Indian Navy – blue water defence & deterrence.
- Indian Coast Guard (ICG) – coastal protection & SAR.
- Marine Police & CISF – port & coastal security.
Key Static Points on Maritime Summits
- International Fleet Review (IFR): India hosted in Visakhapatnam, 2016 – showcased participation from 50+ navies.
- IMO (International Maritime Organization): UN body regulating shipping & maritime safety.
- HQ: London, UK.
- Established: 1948 (came into force 1959).