The operational preparedness and coastal security mechanism of the Indian Coast Guard was reviewed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, as it readies to tackle maritime emergencies. The defence minister also stressed on its modernization by 2022 through the ministry's Definitive Action Program which envisages acquisition of 43 ships, 20 aircraft and other facilities.
The Coast Guard discharged "a silent but invaluable service to the nation,” she said during the Defence Ministry's Consultative Committee meeting.
Sitharaman also lauded it for its multiple successful search and rescue missions, humanitarian aid, assistance to fishermen and increased surveillance capability.
The minister appreciated the Coast Guard for successfully implementing her directions on use of local language speaking personnel on board the ships and aircraft to alert the fishermen during emergencies and rescue operations.
The next meeting of the Consultative Committee will be on ordnance depots, the defence minister declared.
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