New Delhi, 04 September (HS): As part of its ongoing overseas deployment in East Asia, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) offshore patrol vessel (OPV) 'Sujay' arrived at the port in Incheon, South Korea with integral helicopter. During the four-day visit, the crew of ICG ship Sujay will conduct professional interaction focusing on marine pollution response (MPR), maritime search and rescue (M-SAR) and maritime law enforcement.

ICG Commander Amit Uniyal said that the visit of the Indian ship includes professional interaction with the Korea Coast Guard (KCG), cross deck training, joint yoga sessions, friendly sports events and passage exercises with KCG. The visit is aimed not only to strengthen ties between the ICG and their Korean counterparts but also to showcase India's shipbuilding capabilities. Ten National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets on board the ship will participate in an environmental conservation walkathon on the ill-effects of marine plastic pollution in collaboration with local youth organisations.

The ICG had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the KCG on March 13, 2006, to enhance maritime cooperation. The ship's overseas deployment is in line with the ICG commitment to promote bilateral relations within the ambit of the MoU. This deployment holds significance in strengthening bilateral ties with key and prominent maritime agencies for ensuring safety, protection and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region. It also reflects India's commitment to foster cordial relations with Indo-Pacific countries, promoting friendly relations through maritime cooperation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar