As part of the ongoing overseas deployment to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, the Indian Coast Guards (ICG) Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Paheredar reached Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. The ICG vessel made a port call at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, on 2 April, 2024. For the three-day visit, the crew will engage in professional interactions focusing on marine pollution response, maritime search & rescue, and maritime law enforcement.
The crew of Samudra Paheredar will engage in various activities with the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) such as cross-deck training, subject matter expert exchanges, sports events and passage exercise. The visit is also aimed at showcasing India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
In addition, 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets are aboard the vessel to participate in a Walkathon and Beach Clean-up activities.
The ICG and VCG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2015 institutionalising the cooperative engagements between the two maritime agencies. The current overseas deployment is ICG’s commitment to bolster bilateral relationships and enhance international cooperation with friendly countries.
The deployment of Samudra Paheredar to the ASEAN region is aimed at India’s shared concern and resolve at mitigating marine pollution and, promoting safety and security through maritime cooperation. The decision to send the vessel was taken during the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus in Cambodia in 2022.
Prior to reaching Ho Chi Minh, the vessel visited Manila, Philippines to engage in bilateral cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The larger aim of the initiative is to demonstrate the continuous diplomatic maritime engagements in the ASEAN region.
Team BharatShakti
