Indian Coast Guard’s ICGS Sujay Visits Jakarta for Maritime Cooperation
The Indian Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ICGS Sujay, equipped with an integral helicopter, made a port call at Jakarta, Indonesia, as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to East Asia. This visit marks a significant milestone in diplomatic maritime engagements.
Activities and Interactions
During the two-day visit, the crew of ICGS Sujay engaged in professional interactions focusing on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement. Activities included:
- Professional interactions with BAKMALA (Indonesia Coast Guard)
- Cross deck training
- Joint yoga sessions
- Friendly sports events
- Passage Sea Exercise (PASSEX) with BAKAMLA
The visit aims to strengthen ties between the Indian Coast Guard and their Indonesian counterparts and showcase India’s shipbuilding capabilities, supporting the concept of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’
Environmental Initiatives
Ten National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets aboard ICGS Sujay participated in an Environment Protection Walkathon to address marine plastic pollution, in collaboration with local youth organizations. This effort contributes to the Government of India’s ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’ initiative and enhances international outreach.
Women in Maritime Security
In a maiden initiative, two women ICG officers embarked on board for the Overseas Deployment, representing ‘Women in Maritime Security and Safety’ while participating in bilateral cooperative engagements.
Memorandum of Understanding
The Indian Coast Guard signed a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BAKAMLA on July 6, 2020, to enhance maritime cooperation and institutionalize cooperative engagements.
Significance of the Deployment
The overseas deployment aligns with the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to fostering bilateral relationships under the MoU. It holds significance in reinforcing bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region, while addressing contemporary maritime challenges.
ICGS Sujay’s Capabilities
Based on the East Coast of India in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, ICGS Sujay operates under the operational command of Commander Coast Guard Region (East). Equipped with modern weapon systems, advanced sensors, and state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, including an integral helicopter, ICGS Sujay has successfully undertaken various Coast Guard operations, including Coastal Security, IMBL/EEZ surveillance, counter-transnational crimes, and Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) and Pollution Response operations.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Coast Guard -: The Indian Coast Guard is a part of India’s defense forces that protects the country’s seas and coasts. They help in search and rescue missions, prevent smuggling, and protect marine life.
ICGS Sujay -: ICGS Sujay is a big ship used by the Indian Coast Guard. It helps in patrolling the seas, rescuing people, and keeping the waters safe.
Jakarta -: Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia, a country made up of many islands in Southeast Asia. It is a busy city with lots of people and activities.
Maritime Cooperation -: Maritime cooperation means working together with other countries to keep the seas safe and clean. It includes activities like joint training and sharing knowledge.
Offshore Patrol Vessel -: An Offshore Patrol Vessel is a type of ship used by the coast guard to patrol the seas far from the shore. It helps in search and rescue, and in keeping the waters safe.
East Asia deployment -: East Asia deployment means sending ships and people to East Asia, which includes countries like China, Japan, and Indonesia, to work together and learn from each other.
Marine pollution awareness -: Marine pollution awareness means teaching people about the dangers of polluting the seas and how to keep them clean. It includes activities to protect marine life and the environment.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat -: Aatmanirbhar Bharat means ‘Self-Reliant India.’ It is an initiative by the Indian government to make India more independent and strong by producing more goods and services within the country.
Women in Maritime Security and Safety -: Women in Maritime Security and Safety refers to women working in jobs that help keep the seas safe. This includes roles in the coast guard and other maritime services.
