The Vietnam Coast Guard Ship CSB 8005 is scheduled to arrive at Kochi on 16 Dec 24 as a part of her ongoing Overseas Deployment to India. The four-day visit is aimed at enhancing maritime co-operation and interoperability between the two forces.During the visit, crew of VCG Ship 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, social interactions, Passage Exercise (PASSEX), Major Firefighting drill, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), counter drugs interdiction, Oil Pollution Response demonstration with Indian Coast Guard. The visit aims not only to strengthen ties between the Vietnam Coast Guard and Indian Coast Guard but also to showcase India’s technological advancement in shipbuilding, supporting the concept of “Atamnirbhar Bharat” and Make in India”
The Indian Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard have an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has institutionalised the co-operative engagements between two maritime agencies. This VCG Ship visit is in line with the provisions of MoU and hence, is a testimony to Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to enhance international co-operation with Foreign Friendly Countries (FFCs).
The visit of VCG Ship holds significance in reinforcing bilateral relationships with key maritime partners, crucial for ensuring safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region, while addressing contemporary maritime challenges. ICG’s increased focus on the maritime safety aspect will go a long way in strengthening India’s global leadership position in sync with Prime Minister of India vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region, i.e., SAGAR’.
