Indigenisation takes centre stage as Coast Guard holds first-ever shipbuilding & IT summit

The first edition of Shipbuilding, Indigenisation and IT Conference was organised by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at Madikeri, Karnataka, on Thursday.

In a statement issued here, the ICG spokesperson said the conference marked a significant milestone in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities.

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A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the ICG and the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association, and Defence Innovation and Atal Incubation Centre. The partnership seeks to strengthen the defence innovation ecosystem and accelerate indigenisation efforts through the Defence Innovation Hub at Coimbatore.

In his inaugural address, Director General ICG Paramesh Sivamani underscored the strategic importance of self-reliance in shipbuilding through indigenous design, robust digital infrastructure and resilient supply chains. He appreciated the steadfast support of Indian shipyards and equipment manufacturers in boosting the ICG’s operational readiness. He also highlighted the successful progression of the 200th indigenously built vessel (fourth Pollution Control Ship), which is currently undergoing sea trials. He described it as a symbol of the technical proficiency and engineering excellence of ICG technocrats.

DG ICG detailed the progress of Project Digital Coast Guard, a long-term initiative to create a secure, scalable and resilient digital backbone for all ICG units, emphasising that digital expansion must be matched with strong cybersecurity frameworks.

During the conference, he also released three documents: the teaser of the e-book ‘History of Shipbuilding in the Indian Coast Guard’; the Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence in ICG and the ICG Cyber Crisis Management Plan-2025, each reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to technological advancement, digital capacity-building, and future-ready preparedness.

The conference brought together senior dignitaries, leading shipyards, equipment manufacturers, classification societies and subject-matter experts from across the maritime domain. The conference created a comprehensive platform to advance Aatmanirbhar Bharat, promote technological innovation and accelerate the ICG’s digital transformation, the spokesperson added.