Indian Coast Guard
Role, Mandate, and Legal Basis
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was established under the Coast Guard Act, 1978, as a maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue agency. It operates under the Ministry of Defence (unlike many countries where coast guards are under Interior/Home ministries).
- Mandate: Maritime law enforcement within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ — 200 nautical miles), search and rescue, pollution control, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, disaster response.
- India's EEZ: approximately 2.37 million sq km — one of the largest in the world.
- ICG operates under the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1976 and the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
- Operates approximately 160 surface platforms (ships and boats) and 70+ aircraft.
- Jurisdiction: India's territorial waters (12 nm), Contiguous Zone (24 nm), and EEZ (200 nm).
- The ICG also enforces MARPOL (Marine Pollution) provisions and coordinates with the Indian Navy during national emergencies.
● Tracked since February 17, 2026 · last seen April 10, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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