Maritime Cooperation on the High Seas: ICG Ship Sujay Meets South Korea’s KCG
Manish Shukla
In a significant gesture of maritime cooperation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ICG Ship Sujay arrived in Incheon, South Korea on September 4, 2024, for a four-day port call. This visit marks a milestone in the ongoing overseas deployment of ICG Ship Sujay to East Asia, aiming to strengthen ties with the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) and showcase India’s shipbuilding capabilities.
During the visit, the crew of ICG Ship Sujay will engage in professional interactions, cross-deck training, joint yoga sessions, friendly sports events, and a Passage Exercise with the KCG. The activities focus on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement, demonstrating the shared commitment to addressing maritime challenges.
The port visit coincides with the 20th Head of Coast Guard Agency Meeting (HACGAM) in Incheon, highlighting the ICG’s resolve to address global maritime concerns. Additionally, 10 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets on board ICG Ship Sujay will participate in an Environment Protection Walkathon, sensitizing the community about marine plastic pollution, in collaboration with local youth organizations.
The ICG and KCG have a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) since 2006, fostering enhanced maritime cooperation. This visit reinforces bilateral relationships, ensuring safety, security, and environmental sustainability in the region. Prior to this, ICG Ship Sujay made a port call to Jakarta, Indonesia, demonstrating seamless diplomatic maritime engagements in the region.
ICG Ship Sujay’s deployment to East Asia reflects India’s commitment to fostering warm relations with Indo-Pacific countries, promoting friendly relations through maritime cooperation, aligned with India’s maritime vision of “SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region” and the Indo-Pacific Ocean initiative.
