by Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar visits Ho Chi Minh City
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During the three-day visit, the crew of ICGS Samudra Paheredar will engage in professional interactions focusing on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement
As part of an ongoing overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, the Indian Coast Guard Pollution Response vessel ICGS Samudra Paheredar made a port call at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Tuesday (April 2).
The visit of ICG’s specialised vessel with an on-board helicopter to ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries is in pursuance of India’s ASEAN Initiative for Marine Pollution, as announced by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the year 2022 at Cambodia, during the ASEAN Defence Minister Plus Meeting.
During the three-day visit, the crew of ICGS Samudra Paheredar will engage in professional interactions focusing on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement.
Activities include cross-deck training, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, sports events and Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Vietnam Coast Guard.
The visit aims not only to strengthen ties between the Indian Coast Guard and their Vietnamese counterparts but also to showcase India’s shipbuilding capabilities, supporting the concept of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”(self-reliant India) and “Make in India” initiative.
Additionally, 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) aboard ICGS Samudra Paheredar will participate in a Walkathon and Beach Cleanup activities in collaboration with local youth organizations, contributing to the Indian Government’s “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan” or Clean Ocean Mission.
The Indian Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2015, which institutionalised the cooperative engagements between the two maritime agencies.
This overseas deployment by the Indian ship deployment is in line with the provision of the MoU and stands as a testimony to the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to bolster bilateral relationships and enhance international cooperation with Foreign Friendly Countries (FFCs).
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Prior to Ho Chi Minh, ICGS Samudra Paheredar visited Manila, Philippines, demonstrating a seamless continuation of diplomatic maritime engagements in the ASEAN region.
The visit to Vietnam holds significance in reinforcing bilateral relationships with key maritime partners, crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region, while addressing contemporary maritime challenges.
ICGS Samudra Paheredar deployment to the ASEAN region reflects India’s shared concern and resolve towards Marine Pollution, promoting maritime safety and security through maritime co-operation, aligned with India’s maritime vision encapsulated in “SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region”.