The Indian Coast Guard (Hindi: भारतीय तटरक्षक, Bhāratīya Taṭarakṣaka) (ICG) is the maritime Para Military Force (PMF) of the Union of India. Its mission is the protection of India's maritime interests and enforcement of maritime law with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India,including contiguous zone & exclusive economic zone. ICG was formally established on 18 August 1978 as an armed force of the Union (aka BSF, ITBP, CISF) by the Coast Guard Act, 1978. It operates under the Ministry of Defence.