Coast Guards of India, Japan undertake joint naval exercise

The biennial search and rescue exercise between Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) was held near Chennai, Tamil Nadu in Bay of Bengal.
This was eighth such in series of ‘National Maritime Search and Rescue Workshop and Exercise’. Ships and aircraft of Coast Guards from India and Japan, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force (IAF) and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) took part in it.

Key Facts

The aim of the exercise was to augment operational level interaction and capacity building in areas of search and rescue, pollution response and maritime law enforcement. It also aimed to share best management practices and continuation of personnel exchange.
The two-day exercise comprised of workshop and search and rescue operations in Bay of Bengal.  Observers from 27 maritime nations witnessed exercise, apart from representatives of National Maritime Search and Rescue Board from central and state departments.
During exercise, rescue demonstrations by ships and aircraft showcased country’s search and rescue capabilities and its commitment to safety of life in distress at sea.

Background

Relations between the Coast Guards of two countries go back long way with ICG ships calling on ports in Japan for professional interactions since 2000. This biennial exercise is continuation of efforts by governments of two countries to enhance cooperation between two Coast Guards in field of maritime safety and security at sea.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2018