The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), which hosted the maiden ‘Shipbuilding, Indigenisation and IT Conference’ at Madikeri recently, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) Defence Innovation & Atal Incubation Centre (CDIIC).
An official press release said the partnership seeks to strengthen the Defence innovation ecosystem and accelerate indigenisation efforts.
According to V. Sundaram, a director of CDIIC, the tie-up will enable the MSMEs in Coimbatore to take up orders for components of defence equipment used by the ICG.
Director General of the ICG Paramesh Sivamani said the strategic importance of self-reliance in shipbuilding through indigenous design, robust digital infrastructure, and resilient supply chains was highlighted at the event. He also highlighted the successful progression of the 200th indigenously built vessel (fourth Pollution Control Ship), which is currently undergoing sea trials.
Mr. Sivamani detailed the progress of Project Digital Coast Guard, a long-term initiative to create a secure, scalable and resilient digital backbone for all ICG units. He also released documents related to the e-book ‘History of Shipbuilding in the Indian Coast Guard’ and the roadmap for Artificial Intelligence in ICG.
