By IANS
Kochi : Defence Minister A.K. Antony said here Friday that the modernisation and expansion of the Indian Coast Guard is a priority of the government in view of the sensitive international security scenario.
On his maiden visit to the district headquarters of the coast guard here, Antony presented medals to distinguished officers.
He presented two President’s Tatrakshak medals – one to Inspector General Rajendra Singh for ‘distinguished service’ and the other to Commandant Ganti Mahapatra Sreenivas for ‘gallantry’.
He also gave away four Tatrakshak Medals for ‘gallantry’ and five for ‘meritorious service’.
After inspecting a 50-man ceremonial guard of honour in which the president’s colours were also displayed, Antony said the presence of the coast guard is reassuring for those who venture into the sea in search of a livelihood.
“The Indian Coast Guard has set high standards in intra-agency cooperation. The challenges offered by large-scale search and rescue, anti-smuggling, anti-narcotics, anti-terrorism, pollution response as well as anti-poaching operations have been successfully countered by the coast guard by conducting joint operations with other agencies,” he said.