Kochi.
Vietnam Coast Guard Ship CSB 8005 is scheduled to arrive in Kochi on December 16 as part of the ongoing overseas deployment to India aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two forces. During the four-day visit, the crew of the VCG ship will engage in professional interactions focusing on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Marine Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and maritime law enforcement, according to a release here. The activities included Cross-Deck Training, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Social Interaction, Passage Exercise (PASSEX), Major Fire Fighting Exercise, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), Counter Drugs Interdiction and Oil Pollution Response Demonstration with Indian Coast Guard. Are included.
The visit aims not only to strengthen relations between the Vietnam Coast Guard and the Indian Coast Guard but also to showcase India’s technological advancement in shipbuilding, supporting the concept of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ . The release said there is an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Coast Guard and the Vietnam Coast Guard, which has institutionalized the cooperative engagement between the two maritime agencies. This visit of the VCG ship is in line with the provisions of the MoU and hence, is a testament to the commitment of the Indian Coast Guard to enhance international cooperation with Foreign Friendly Countries (FFCs).
The visit of the VCG ship is important in strengthening bilateral relations with key maritime partners, which is important to ensure the safety, security and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region while addressing contemporary maritime challenges. ICG’s increased focus on maritime security aspects will go a long way in strengthening India’s global leadership position in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR).
