India, Vietnam Coast Guards to Engage in Joint Maritime Drills
Kochi: In a bid to strengthen maritime ties, the Vietnam Coast Guard Ship CSB 8005 is set to arrive at Kochi on December 16, 2024, as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to India.
The four-day visit aims to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability between the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The crew of the VCG ship will engage in professional interactions focusing on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement.
According to officials, the activities planned during the visit include cross-deck training, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, social interactions, Passage Exercise (PASSEX), Major Firefighting drill, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), counter-drugs interdiction, and Oil Pollution Response demonstration.
The visit is expected to strengthen ties between the VCG and ICG, while also showcasing India’s technological advancements in shipbuilding, supporting the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” initiatives.
The two coast guards have an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has institutionalized cooperative engagements between the two maritime agencies.
The visit of the VCG ship holds significance in reinforcing bilateral relationships with key maritime partners, crucial for ensuring safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region.
The Indian Coast Guard’s increased focus on maritime safety will strengthen India’s global leadership position, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR).
