High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is one of four branches of the Indian Armed Forces, tasked with the mission to guard the Republic of India's maritime interests. The Indian Coast Guard's organization is similar to that of other Para Military Forces of India. It was created on 18 August 1978 as an independent entity as per the Coast Guard Act. It operates under the effective control of the Ministry of Defense. The ICG mission is to protect India's maritime interests, including its coastline, exclusive economic zone and shipping. It is also tasked with Indian maritime law enforcement relating to ocean resources, shipping, customs and revenue, maritime environment, protected species as well as narcotics.