The Commandant of the Naval War College, Rear Admiral Arjun Dev Nair, addressed the media regarding the fifth edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC-26), scheduled to be held on February 21, 2026, in Goa.
The conclave will witness participation from 14 countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), reinforcing its importance as a key maritime dialogue platform focused on regional cooperation and security.
The theme for this year’s edition is “Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR – Progressing Lines of Effort to Mitigate Dynamic Threats.” The discussions will centre on collaborative strategies to address evolving maritime risks and strengthen collective security frameworks across the region.
Significantly, GMC-26 will be hosted for the first time at Chola Bhawan, the newly inaugurated academic complex of the Naval War College in Goa. The new venue is expected to provide a modern and dynamic setting for high-level deliberations among participating nations.
The Goa Maritime Conclave continues to serve as an important forum for strengthening maritime partnerships and fostering dialogue among Indian Ocean Region countries in an increasingly complex security environment.
In a landmark move bolstering India’s maritime defence self-reliance, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) officially began construction of its first indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) on July 30, 2025. The ceremony, known as the Girder Laying and Commencement of Erection, was held at the Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd. shipyard in Goa.
The ACV is based on the globally proven designs of Griffon Hoverwork (UK) and is being adapted and built using Indian expertise to serve a wide range of coastal and offshore missions. These hovercraft are specially designed to operate in shallow waters, offering rapid deployment and flexibility for missions such as coastal patrolling, interdiction, and search and rescue operations.
The ceremony was attended by ICG Inspector General Sudhir Sahni, Deputy Director General (Materiel & Maintenance), who highlighted the strategic importance of this development in India’s defence manufacturing landscape.
This construction marks the first ACV in a series of six, under a contract signed on October 24, 2024, between the Ministry of Defence and Chowgule & Company. The initiative underscores the Indian Coast Guard’s steadfast commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign equipment and bolster operational autonomy.
Once inducted, these vessels will add a powerful new dimension to India’s coastal response force, offering unmatched speed and manoeuvrability in dynamic maritime environments. The move reflects the growing synergy between public and private sector defence firms in building a self-reliant defence ecosystem.
Goa | June 2025 — In a significant stride toward bolstering India’s coastal defense capabilities, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) successfully launched the fifth Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) named ‘Achal’ for the Indian Coast Guard. The ceremonial launch took place at the shipyard’s facility in Goa and was graced by Mrs. Kavita Harbola, who performed the traditional naming and launching rites. The event was held in the presence of Additional Director General Anil Kumar Harbola, Indian Coast Guard.
The Achal is part of an advanced fleet of eight FPVs being constructed by GSL under a contract awarded by the Ministry of Defence. These high-speed vessels are designed for coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, search and rescue (SAR), and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) patrolling.
Each vessel is equipped with cutting-edge navigation and communication systems, fast interception capability, and state-of-the-art onboard facilities, enabling rapid response to emerging maritime threats.
🔧 Total Project Cost: ₹473 crore
🏭 Make in India Boost: Built entirely in India, the project supports local industry and aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission.
👷♂️ Employment Generation: The construction has created hundreds of skilled and semi-skilled jobs and engaged over 200 MSMEs across India in the supply of equipment and services.
🚢 Sustainable Engineering: The vessels follow eco-friendly design principles and adhere to international maritime safety norms.
A GSL spokesperson remarked,
“The launch of Achal marks a proud milestone in our longstanding partnership with the Indian Coast Guard. With each vessel we deliver, we reaffirm our commitment to national security, indigenous manufacturing, and maritime innovation.”
With Achal now successfully launched, outfitting and sea trials will proceed before the vessel is formally inducted into the Indian Coast Guard. The remaining three ships in the series are progressing on schedule, with deliveries expected over the next 12–18 months.
The Indian Coast Guard’s growing fleet of indigenous patrol vessels significantly enhances its ability to protect India’s 7,500 km coastline and offshore assets, ensuring peace and security in the region.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is poised to celebrate its 49th Raising Day on February 1, 2025, marking nearly five decades of dedicated service to the nation. Since its inception in 1977, the ICG has evolved from a modest force of seven surface platforms to a formidable maritime security service with 151 ships and 76 aircraft.
A Commitment to Maritime Security
The ICG’s motto, “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect), embodies its unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime zones. With a vast coastline of 7,516 kilometers, the ICG ensures round-the-clock vigilance and monitoring, deploying between 55 to 60 surface platforms and 10 to 12 aircraft daily. This persistent presence supports secure sea lanes for international maritime trade and plays a crucial role in promoting the sustainable development of India’s blue economy.
The ICG’s impressive track record is a testament to its dedication and expertise. Some notable achievements include:
Life-Saving Missions: Over 11,730 lives saved since its inception, with 169 rescues in the past year alone.
Anti-Smuggling Efforts: Contraband worth INR 52,560.96 crores seized in the last year, including a record-breaking 6,016 kg of narcotics in the Andaman Sea.
Disaster Response: Successful rescue operations during Cyclone ASNA in Gujarat, flood relief in Gujarat and Wayanad, and complex medical evacuations in challenging conditions.
Environmental Protection: Active role in environmental protection, conducting national and regional exercises to strengthen preparedness for maritime environmental disasters.
Modernization and Infrastructure Development
The ICG is committed to self-reliance and modernization, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” initiative. Recent developments include:
Procurement of Advanced Assets: Acquisition of air cushion vehicles, next-generation patrol vessels, and upgraded communication systems to enhance operational efficiency.
Infrastructure Development: Construction of over 1000 meters of jetty, boosting operational facilities, and establishment of new facilities, such as the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Chennai and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry.
Embracing Technology
The ICG has also leveraged technology to enhance its operational capabilities:
Automation of Service Healthcare Administration (ASHA) App: Streamlining medical examinations and managing e-health records for ICG personnel.
Digital Coast Guard Initiative: Setting up a Tier-III Data Centre to further improve technological infrastructure.
As the Indian Coast Guard celebrates its 49th Raising Day, it is clear that the service has come a long way since its humble beginnings. With its commitment to maritime security, self-reliance, and modernization, the ICG continues to play a vital role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and promoting the nation’s blue economy.
