NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called upon Indian coast guard to be alert to emerging unconventional threats from cyber attacks, data breach and radar disruption, in addition to conventional warfare.
“India is surrounded by sea on three sides and its coastline is vast. The nation’s strategic security faces two types of threats: the first is war which is dealt by armed forces, and the second are the challenges of piracy, terrorism, infiltration, smuggling and illegal fishing for which the marine forces, especially coast guard, are always alert,” the defence minister said.
The minister appreciated the force laying the foundation of the digital coast guard project, which, he said, would effectively deal with conventional and unconventional threats.
He said govt has increased budget allocation for coast guard by more than 26% to modernise the force. Rs 9,677 crore provided in this year’s budget will help the force acquire 14 fast patrol vessels, six air cushion vehicles, 22 interceptor boats, six next generation offshore patrol vessels and 18 next generation fast patrol vessels. The fresh acquisitions have already been approved by the defence ministry, he said.
The minister conferred gallantry, distinguished service, and meritorious service medals to coast guard personnel during an investiture ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam in the capital. Singh asserted that the vision of a secure and prosperous India can only be realised if its security system is robust and the forces are strong.
Lauding the achievements of the force, Rajnath said it has managed to secure Indian coast by apprehending 14 boats and 115 pirates, apart from carrying out a major drug seizure worth about Rs 37,000 crore in the last one year. TNN