Modernizing Maritime Security: The Strategic Integration of AI and Autonomous Systems in the Indian Coast Guard

The 43rd Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders’ Conference, held in New Delhi, marks a pivotal shift in India’s maritime security doctrine. As the primary agency responsible for the protection of India’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and maritime interests, the ICG is increasingly pivoting toward a technology-driven operational framework. The conference serves as a high-level platform to deliberate on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), autonomous platforms, and advanced cyber-security protocols into the existing maritime surveillance architecture. In an era where maritime threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated—ranging from non-state actor incursions and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to complex cyber-attacks on port infrastructure—the reliance on traditional patrolling methods is no longer sufficient. The focus on AI-driven data analytics allows the ICG to process vast amounts of information from satellite imagery, radar, and sensors in real-time, enabling predictive maintenance of assets and proactive threat detection. Furthermore, the induction of autonomous systems, such as Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), significantly extends the reach of the ICG, allowing for persistent surveillance in high-risk or inaccessible maritime zones without risking human personnel.