DG K Natarajan, PTM, TM, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, is hosting a seven member delegation of the Japan Coast Guard led by Admiral Takahiro Okushima, Commandant, Japan Coast Guard in India till January 17.
A High Level Meeting (HLM) between the two coast guards was held at their Headquarters on Tuesday under the provisions of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between the two agencies in 2006. The HLM focussed on augmenting the operational level interaction and capacity building in areas of Search and Rescue, Pollution Response and Maritime Law Enforcement. Newer areas of cooperation, HNS, chemical spills response and training on specialised field of ICG operation were discussed.
Relations between the two coast guards go back a long way with ICG ships calling on ports in Japan for professional interactions since 2000. This meeting and visit is in continuation of the efforts by the governments of the two countries to enhance cooperation in the field of combating transnational maritime crime enhancing national security.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen the mutual cooperation in accordance with the provisions of the MoC. Sharing of best management practices and continuation of personnel exchange were also agreed upon.
Japan Coast Guard Ship Echigo arrived Chennai on Monday to participate in the joint exercise that is scheduled today. Director General Indian Coast Guard and the Commandant Japan Coast Guard will be travelling to Chennai to oversee the joint exercise.
The meeting was significant in providing added impetus to the already existing professional relationship between the Coast Guards of the countries.