ICG Vessel arrives in Manila to demonstrate marine pollution response capabilities towards India-ASEAN initiative
New Delhi, 25 Mar 24: The Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, arrived at Manila Bay, Philippines on Monday, 25 Mar 2024 on a three day visit. The visit of a specialized Pollution Control Vessels part of broader initiative aimed at demonstration of ICG Marine Pollution Response capabilities and shared concern & resolve towards Marine Pollution in the ASEAN region, besides bolstering bilateral cooperation with Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The ICG ship is on overseas deployment to ASEAN countries namely Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei from 25 Mar to 12 Apr 2024, as part of India-ASEAN initiative as announced by Hon’ble Defence Minister of India in the year 2022 at Cambodia during the ASEAN Defence Minister Plus Meeting (ADMM-2022).
The deployment is third in the row by Indian Coast Guard to ASEAN countries. Earlier in the year 2023, ICG Pollution Control Vessel’s has visited Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia as part of the initiative.
During this deployment, the ship is scheduled to make port calls in Manila (Philippines), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) and Muara (Brunei). The ship is equipped with specialized marine pollution control equipment and Chetak Helicopter in Pollution Response configuration, designed to contain, recover spilled oil and augment the operation. The demonstration at visiting ports include Pollution Response training and practical display of various equipment.
Additionally, the ship has also embarked 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets to participate in GoI’s initiative “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan,” and provide it an international outreach in coordination with partner nations. As part of an overseas exchange program, the NCC cadets, in coordination with ICG ship crew, Partner agencies personnel, Indian Embassy/ Mission staff and local youth organization will undertake beach cleanup and similar activities during the port call of the ship.
This visit holds significant importance in strengthening bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Vietnam Coast Guard and Brunei Maritime agencies. ICG has Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) towards Enhanced Maritime Cooperation and Maritime Safety and Security with Coast Guards of Philippines and Vietnam.
These relationships have evolved over the years to ensure the safety, security, and marine environment concern in the region. The visit’s agenda includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, joint exercises, as well as official and social engagements including visits to capacity-building facilities.
The visit of ICGS Samudra Paheredar to ASEAN countries reinforces India’s continuous efforts to foster friendly relations through maritime cooperation. This aligns with the maritime vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, popularly known as “SAGAR” – Security and Growth for All in the Region and promotes “Atamnirbhar Bharat” concept by highlighting indigenous shipbuilding capabilities of Indian industry.
ICGS Samudra Paheredar stationed on the East Coast of India in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and is under the Command of Deputy Inspector General Sudhir Ravindran. Over the years, Samudra Paheredar has successfully undertaken various Coast Guard operations, including Pollution Response, IMBL/EEZ surveillance, counter-transnational crimes, and Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR).
