The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) came into existence with the enactment of the Coast Guard Act, 1978 on 18 August 1978. The Coast Guard is responsible for surveillance of the Indian territorial waters and the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone to prevent poaching, smuggling and other illegal activities; to conduct search and rescue operations; to protect and preserve marine environment.

The command and control of the Coast Guard lies with the Director General of Coast Guard, Headquartered at New Delhi. The organisation has three Regional Headquarters at Mumbai, Chennai and Port Blair. The three Regional Headquarters command the entire coastline of India, through 11 Coast Guard Districts and six Coast Guard stations. The Coast Guard also has two Air Stations at Daman and Chennai and four Air enclaves at Goa, Mumbai, Kolkata and Port Blair.
The primary duties of the Coast Guard as enshrined in the Coast guard Act include :

• Safety and protection of artificial islands and offshore installations
• Providing protection to fishermen
• Preservation and protection of marine environment including maritime pollution and protection of endangered species
• Assistance to customs and other authorities in anti smuggling operations
• Enforcement of the Maritime Laws of India
• Safety of life and property at sea
• Other duties as and when prescribed by Government of India
• Assistance to Indian Navy during war.