New Delhi (19.07.2023): Following the appointment notification Rakesh Pal took over as the 25th Director General of Indian Coast Guard today. He belongs to ICG Cadre. He replaces Virendra Singh Pathania who retired on January 31, 2023. As the senior most ADG in the ICG, the Ministry of Defence had on January 31, 2023 assigned him the additional charge of DG w.e.f 01 February 2023.

He is an alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy and joined Indian Coast Guard in Jan 1989. He has undergone professional specialisation in Gunnery & Weapons System at Indian Naval School Dronacharya, Kochi and Electro-Optics Fire Control Solution course from United Kingdom. He holds the recognition of being the First Gunner of ICG.

During 34 years of service, afloat and ashore, he held several key responsibilities including Commander Coast Guard Region (North West), Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans) and Additional Director General Coast Guard at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi. Besides, he also held various staff assignments viz. Director (Infra & Works) and Principal Director (Administration) at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi.