Description

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Context:

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) chaired the 137^th meeting of the Offshore Security Coordination Committee (OSCC) in New Delhi on June 12, 2025.

About Offshore Security Coordination Committee:

Aspect	Details
Year of Establishment	1978
Purpose	To ensure effective functioning of offshore security arrangements.
Key Functions	- Formulating policies and providing guidance on offshore defence issues. - Identifying peacetime threats (e.g., terrorism, sabotage). - Developing contingency plans for various agencies.
Context of Formation	In response to growing threats to offshore oil and gas installations.
Chairmanship	Director General, Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
Relevance Today	Increased responsibility due to the rapid growth of offshore Oil & Gas sector and related threats including illegal fishing near oil platforms.

About Indian Coast Guard:

It is a maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of India with jurisdiction over its territorial waters including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
It was formally established on 1 February 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India. It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
Indian Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi
The Indian Coast Guard's motto is "वयम रक्षामः" (Vayam Rakshamah), which translates from Sanskrit as "We Protect".

Regional HQ

Source: PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following organizations chairs the Offshore Security Coordination Committee (OSCC) in India?

A) Indian Navy

B) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

C) Indian Coast Guard

D) National Security Council Secretariat

Answer: C

Explanation

According to the information available, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) chairs the Offshore Security Coordination Committee (OSCC) in India.

The ICG recently held the 137th meeting of the OSCC in New Delhi. This meeting focused on reviewing the security of India's offshore installations and enhancing joint response mechanisms.