Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the increasing challenges to India’s maritime security during the 42nd Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders Conference held recently. He emphasized that regional instability, particularly in neighboring countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Nepal, poses a direct threat to India’s coastal security, leading to issues such as refugee influx, illegal migration, and irregular maritime activities in the Bay of Bengal. Rajnath Singh underlined the necessity for the ICG to maintain vigilance and develop a forward-looking strategy that incorporates advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, automated surveillance, and cyber defense, to effectively combat evolving maritime threats. He stressed that the integration of military capabilities and rapid response mechanisms are critical in addressing both maritime and economic security, as disruptions in maritime trade could have significant implications for the nation. The focus on enhancing the operational capability of the ICG is seen as vital to safeguarding India’s extensive 7,500 km coastline and ensuring stability in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.