Overview

• At the 42nd ICG Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi, the defence minister urged a futuristic plan that integrates AI, machine learning, automated surveillance, drones and robust cyber defences.
• He said cyber and electronic warfare are present realities and called for systems that cut response times to seconds to protect critical maritime infrastructure.
• Singh linked coastal vigilance to economic security, noting that disruptions to ports, sea lanes and energy infrastructure can quickly cascade into national risks.
• He warned that instability in neighbouring countries often spills into the maritime domain through refugee flows, illegal migration and irregular activity, particularly in the Bay of Bengal.
• The government reaffirmed modernisation through Make in India, citing nearly 90% of the ICG capital budget for indigenous assets, ongoing in-country maintenance, and cumulative gains in SAR and narcotics interdictions.