Coast Guard Global Summit: India to Host 5th Edition in 2027

Coast Guard Global Summit will be hosted by India in New Delhi in February 2027, coinciding with the golden jubilee marking 50 years of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The summit, founded in 2017 by the Japan Coast Guard and Nippon Foundation, is a biennial event that promotes cooperation in maritime safety, search and rescue, marine pollution response, and countering transnational crimes.

Important For
Prelims	Security & International Relations
Mains	GS Paper 3 (Internal Security & Maritime Security)

ICG Established	1978
Summit Founded	2017 (Japan)

What is Coast Guard Global Summit?

Coast Guard Global Summit is a biennial international summit that promotes cooperation in maritime safety, search and rescue, marine pollution response, and countering transnational crimes. Founded in 2017 by the Japan Coast Guard and Nippon Foundation, the summit brings together coast guard leaders and maritime experts from around the world. India will host the 5th edition in New Delhi in February 2027, coinciding with the golden jubilee of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

The Indian Coast Guard, operating under the Ministry of Defence, is the fourth-largest coast guard in the world. It was recommended by the Nag Committee (1970) and Rustamji Committee (1974) and formally instituted under the Coast Guard Act, 1978. Its jurisdiction covers India’s Territorial Waters, Contiguous Zone, and the 2.01 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Why is Coast Guard Global Summit in News?

Coast Guard Global Summit is in the news because India has been announced as the host for the 5th edition in 2027. The summit will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Indian Coast Guard, highlighting India’s growing role in maritime security. The event will provide a platform for India to showcase its capabilities and strengthen international cooperation.

The ICG’s expanded role in maritime security, disaster response, and environmental protection will be a key focus. For more details, see the PIB release.

Key Features of Coast Guard Global Summit

• Biennial Event: Held every two years, founded in 2017.
• Focus Areas: Maritime safety, search and rescue, pollution response, countering transnational crimes.
• Indian Host: 5th edition in New Delhi, February 2027.
• ICG Golden Jubilee: Coincides with 50 years of the Indian Coast Guard.
• Global Participation: Brings together coast guard leaders and maritime experts.

Challenges in Coast Guard Global Summit

• Capacity: India’s hosting capability must match the summit’s scale.
• Coordination: Managing international participants and logistics.
• Maritime Threats: Piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling are growing concerns.
• Climate Change: Rising sea levels and extreme weather increase search-and-rescue demands.
• Resource Constraints: Ensuring adequate funding and assets for the ICG.

Way Forward for Coast Guard Global Summit

To make the Coast Guard Global Summit a success, India should focus on showcasing its maritime capabilities and fostering international partnerships. The summit can be used to launch new initiatives on marine pollution response and maritime domain awareness.

Strengthening the ICG’s capabilities and enhancing interoperability with other coast guards through joint exercises and training can build regional maritime security.

Prelims Practice Corner

Q1. When was the Indian Coast Guard established?

(a) 1970 (b) 1974 (c) 1978 (d) 1985

Answer: (c) The ICG was established under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.

Q2. Which country founded the Coast Guard Global Summit?

(a) USA (b) Japan (c) India (d) UK

Answer: (b) The Japan Coast Guard and Nippon Foundation founded the summit in 2017.

Q3. When will India host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit?

(a) 2026 (b) 2027 (c) 2028 (d) 2029

Answer: (b) India will host in February 2027.

Q4. What is the jurisdiction of the Indian Coast Guard?

(a) Territorial Waters only (b) Contiguous Zone only (c) Territorial Waters, Contiguous Zone, and EEZ (d) Only the EEZ

Answer: (c) ICG’s jurisdiction covers all three zones.

Q5. Which committee recommended the formation of the ICG?

(a) Nag Committee (b) Rustamji Committee (c) Both Nag and Rustamji (d) Sarkaria Commission

Answer: (c) Both the Nag Committee (1970) and Rustamji Committee (1974) recommended its formation.

Mains Practice Questions

Q1. Discuss the role of the Indian Coast Guard in India’s maritime security architecture and the significance of hosting the Coast Guard Global Summit. (250 words, 15 marks)

• Intro: Introduce the ICG and the summit.
• Body: Discuss the ICG’s mandate, its role in search and rescue, pollution response, and countering transnational crimes. Analyse the significance of hosting the summit for India’s maritime diplomacy.
• Conclusion: Emphasise the need for continued capacity building.

Q2. What is the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and why is it important for India? (150 words, 10 marks)

• Intro: Define the EEZ as a maritime zone.
• Body: Explain that India’s EEZ is 2.01 million sq km, rich in resources. It is important for fisheries, energy security, and maritime security.
• Conclusion: Conclude that EEZ protection is vital for India’s economic and strategic interests.

FAQs on Coast Guard Global Summit

What is the Coast Guard Global Summit?

It is a biennial summit promoting international cooperation in maritime safety and security.

When will India host the summit?

India will host the 5th edition in February 2027.

What is the Indian Coast Guard’s role?

Maritime safety, search and rescue, pollution response, and countering transnational crimes.