The sudden demise of Director General Rakesh Pal of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in Chennai on Sunday marks a significant loss to India’s maritime security leadership. His 34-year career was distinguished by numerous achievements and recognitions.
The Indian maritime security apparatus suffered a great loss on Sunday as Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Rakesh Pal, passed away in Chennai following a cardiac arrest. This tragic event occurred just hours before Pal was scheduled to attend an ICG event alongside Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Pal was rushed to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGH) after complaining of uneasiness but sadly could not be revived.
Rakesh Pal, a seasoned officer with over three decades of dedicated service, was known for his expertise in Gunnery and Weapons Systems. An alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, Pal joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989. Rising through the ranks, he became the 25th Director General of the ICG in July 2023, marking the pinnacle of a storied career.
Pal’s career was marked by several key appointments, both afloat and ashore. He commanded the Coast Guard Region (North West) in Gandhinagar and held significant positions like Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans) and Additional Director General at the ICG headquarters in New Delhi. His extensive sea experience included command of all classes of ICG ships, such as ICGS Samarth, ICGS Vijit, and ICGS Sucheta Kriplani.
Under his leadership, the Coast Guard conducted several major operations, including the seizure of drugs, narcotic substances, and gold worth crores of rupees. His exceptional service was recognized with prestigious awards, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), President Tatrakshak Medal (PTM), and Tatrakshak Medal (TM).
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, expressing his sorrow on X, acknowledged Pal as an able and committed officer whose leadership had significantly strengthened India’s maritime security. Singh visited RGGH in Chennai to pay his last respects to the late Director General.
Rakesh Pal is survived by his wife, Dipa Pal, and their two daughters, Snehal and Tarushi.
The sudden demise of Director General Rakesh Pal leaves a void in the Indian Coast Guard and the broader defense community. His leadership, vision, and commitment to strengthening India’s maritime security will be remembered for years to come.
