Indian Coast Guard headquarters: Sanjay Seth, the Minister of State for Defence, visited the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Regional Headquarters in Kolkata on Sunday. This was his first visit to the headquarters, which oversees operations along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha. During his visit, he met with top officers and discussed the region’s security plans and readiness for emergencies.
EU Defence Commissioner Kubilius Seeks Strategic Partnership with India for Stronger Ties
The ICG Regional Headquarters (North East) manages two major bases in Paradip, Odisha, and Haldia, West Bengal. From these bases, the ICG operates ships and hovercrafts to protect the coastline. The ICG also has air units in Kolkata and Bhubaneswar, where they use Dornier aircraft, Chetak helicopters, and Dhruv helicopters for various missions.
The ICG plays a crucial role in keeping India’s coasts safe. They stop illegal activities like smuggling, piracy, and poaching. They also rescue people during cyclones and help sick sailors on merchant ships. The ICG protects the marine environment by preventing pollution and oil spills. They also work to save endangered species, such as the Olive Ridley Turtles that come to Odisha’s beaches to lay eggs. Currently, the ICG is part of “Ops Olivia,” a mission to protect these turtles.
White House Tensions with Ukraine Heighten Urgency for EU Defence Summit in London
During his visit, the minister learned about the ICG’s work over the past year and how they are improving security in the region. He also visited the Remote Operations Centre (ROC), where he was shown how the ICG uses advanced technology to monitor the coastline and ensure safety.
Sanjay Seth praised the ICG for their hard work. He said he was impressed by their efforts to save lives at sea and protect India’s maritime zones, even in tough weather conditions. The Defence Ministry spokesperson in Kolkata shared that the minister appreciated the ICG’s dedication to keeping the coasts safe and secure.
