Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Rakesh Pal, passed away in Chennai on Sunday due to a cardiac arrest, as reported by officials.
According to visuals from news agency PTI, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai to pay his respects. Rakesh Pal’s career, which spanned over 34 years, was marked by distinguished service.
An alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, Pal joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989 and became the 25th Director General of the ICG in February 2023.
Renowned for his expertise in Gunnery and Weapons Systems, Pal was the first ICG officer to specialize as a gunner, a notable achievement that defined his career.
During his service, Pal held several prominent positions both at sea and on land. His leadership roles included commanding the Coast Guard Region (North West) in Gandhinagar, and serving as Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans) and Additional Director General at ICG headquarters in New Delhi.
Pal’s extensive naval experience included commanding various ICG ships, such as ICGS Samarth, ICGS Vijit, and ICGS Sucheta Kriplani, among others.