Coast Guards of India and Pakistan hold talks in New Delhi

India and Pakistan held meeting of their coast guard officials (Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency) held in New Delhi. They addressed issues pertaining to boundary violations by fishermen from both sides and enhancing cooperation in area of maritime search and rescue and combating pollution at sea.

Background

Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) had signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2005 for envisaging cooperation between ICG and PMSA. The MoU was extended for five years in 2016.The MoU envisages cooperation through exchange of information on Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) violations, marine pollution, apprehended vessels, natural disasters and calamities, combating smuggling, illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and piracy and coordination in search and rescue and return sea passage. It also established communication link between coast guards of both counteries which is operational. Under provisions of MoU, directors general of PMSA and ICG meet periodically. This annual meeting is significant link between coast guards of two neighbouring countries for addressing issues pertaining to maritime security

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2018