Indian Coast Guard Ship Sujay Visits South Korea
The Indian Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, Sujay, made a port call at Incheon, South Korea, as part of its ongoing deployment to East Asia. The visit, which began on September 4, 2024, will last for four days and includes various activities aimed at strengthening ties with the Korean Coast Guard.
Activities and Objectives
During the visit, the crew of ICG Ship Sujay will engage in professional interactions focusing on Marine Pollution Response, Maritime Search and Rescue, and Maritime Law Enforcement. The activities include:
- Professional interactions with the Korea Coast Guard
- Cross-deck training
- Joint yoga sessions
- Friendly sports events
- Passage Exercise with the Korean Coast Guard
The visit aims to showcase India’s shipbuilding capabilities and support the concept of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).
Environmental Initiatives
The visit also includes an Environment Protection Walkathon to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution. This initiative is part of the Indian government’s ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’ and involves collaboration with local youth organizations.
Historical Context
The Indian Coast Guard signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korean Coast Guard on March 13, 2006, to enhance maritime cooperation. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to foster bilateral relationships and ensure the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region.
Previous Engagements
Prior to this visit, ICG Ship Sujay made port calls to Jakarta, Indonesia, demonstrating a seamless continuation of diplomatic maritime engagements in the region. The deployment reflects India’s commitment to fostering warm relations with Indo-Pacific countries through maritime cooperation.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Coast Guard -: The Indian Coast Guard is a part of India’s defense forces that protects the country’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law.
Offshore Patrol Vessel -: An Offshore Patrol Vessel is a type of ship used by the coast guard to patrol the seas and keep them safe.
Sujay -: Sujay is the name of the Indian Coast Guard ship that visited South Korea.
Incheon -: Incheon is a city in South Korea where the Indian Coast Guard ship Sujay visited.
Joint exercises -: Joint exercises are training activities where two or more countries’ military or coast guard forces practice working together.
Environment Protection Walkathon -: An Environment Protection Walkathon is a walking event to raise awareness about protecting the environment.
Korean Coast Guard -: The Korean Coast Guard is South Korea’s maritime security force, similar to the Indian Coast Guard.
SAGAR -: SAGAR stands for ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region,’ which is India’s vision for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
Indo-Pacific initiatives -: Indo-Pacific initiatives are efforts to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries in the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions.
Cross-deck training -: Cross-deck training is when crew members from different ships or countries train on each other’s vessels to learn new skills.
