The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is bracing to meet the challenges in the changed scenario and focussing on fleet augmentation and indigenisation, according to the Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat.

He was here on Monday on the occasion of the commissioning of ICG ship Veera, the third in the series of seven offshore patrol vessels built by L&T Ship Building. He called for enhanced coastal security and expressed satisfaction over the thrust to indigenisation and fleet augmentation under ‘Make in India’ programme.

He said the dynamics of modern conflicts was fast changing. He stressed the need to work in coordination with the Indian Army and explained how they were successfully working jointly in the Andamans and elsewhere.

General Rawat said the ICG had developed flexibility and resilience to work in accordance with demand and mentioned how it had played a key role in taking up joint operations with the Army. The induction of air cushion vehicles would further strengthen its capabilities.

He said the ICG was working in close coordination with the Navy and other stakeholders as well in serving the maritime security and coastal security. It was also extending aid to civil authorities in the event of natural calamities and cited how it could save several lives during Chennai and Kerala floods.