The 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference commenced in New Delhi on 17 September 2026, bringing senior commanders together to discuss India’s maritime security priorities and strengthen operational preparedness. The three-day conference, held at Coast Guard Headquarters until 19 September, serves as the Indian Coast Guard’s highest-level annual professional forum. Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth addressed the senior leadership and emphasized the need to prepare for emerging maritime security challenges through technological advancement, modernisation and stronger operational capabilities. Key discussions covered operational readiness, resource deployment, force modernisation, training, infrastructure development and the adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced surveillance and secure communications. The conference also reviewed indigenisation initiatives under the Make in India programme, in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The meeting aims to strengthen the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard India’s maritime interests, protect coastal security, conduct search-and-rescue operations and respond effectively to emergencies at sea.