Coast Guard Ships from India Visit Maldives, Foster Closer Bilateral Ties
Male, Maldives – The Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Vaibhav and Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Abhiraj made a historic port call at Male, Maldives.
During their four-day stay, the crew of ICGS Vaibhav and ICGS Abhiraj will engage in professional exchanges with the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard (MNDF CG). These interactions will focus on critical maritime domains, including Marine Pollution Response, Maritime Search and Rescue, and Maritime Law Enforcement.
The visit will also feature cross-deck training, joint discussions, and friendly sports events, aimed at fostering camaraderie and strengthening professional bonds between the two coast guards. Additionally, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) personnel onboard ICGS Vaibhav will participate in an Environment Protection Awareness Programme with local youth organizations, aligning with the Government of India’s “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan” initiative.
The deployment of ICGS Vaibhav and ICGS Abhiraj underscores the ICG’s commitment to maritime cooperation and its focus on building robust partnerships with regional maritime agencies. Following their visit to the Maldives, the vessels will call at the Sri Lankan ports of Colombo and Galle, continuing their professional exchanges and collaborative efforts.
This mission embodies India’s vision of ‘SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region,’ showcasing the country’s advanced shipbuilding capabilities while reiterating its dedication to environmental sustainability and ensuring safe, secure, and clean seas across the Indian Ocean Region.
