Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Saksham, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on Wednesday for a three-day goodwill visit aimed at bolstering maritime cooperation and fostering regional partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The visit marks another milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with countries in the region.
During its stay, the crew of ICGS Saksham will engage in a series of professional interactions, including high-level meetings with local dignitaries, joint training exercises, and friendly sporting events alongside their Seychellois counterparts. These engagements aim to promote mutual learning, enhance interoperability, and solidify the maritime relationship between India and Seychelles.
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Contribute to the Indian government’s ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan
In a move to further India’s environmental initiatives, the embarked National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets on board ICGS Saksham will participate in a Walkathon and a beach cleanup activity. These efforts contribute to the Indian government’s ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan,’ a campaign dedicated to marine conservation and environmental sustainability.
The ship has also embarked 10 personnel from the Assam Rifles, marking an important aspect of the Indian Coast Guard-Assam Rifles affiliation program. This initiative seeks to promote interagency cooperation, offering Assam Rifles personnel exposure to maritime operations while fostering a spirit of camaraderie and knowledge exchange between the two forces.
Following the Seychelles visit, ICGS Saksham will proceed to Madagascar as part of its overseas deployment plan, continuing diplomatic engagements and strengthening Coast Guard-to-Coast Guard cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
India’s commitment to ensuring maritime security
The visit of ICGS Saksham underscores India’s commitment to ensuring maritime security, promoting regional cooperation, and enhancing bilateral ties with countries like Seychelles. It also aligns with India’s vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), emphasizing India’s dedication to fostering strong partnerships with nations in the Global South.
Through initiatives like ‘White Hull Diplomacy,’ the Indian Coast Guard continues to expand its strategic outreach, focusing on humanitarian efforts, capacity building, and cooperative security. This visit reaffirms India’s role as a dependable maritime partner in the Indian Ocean Region, furthering mutual interests through goodwill, collaboration, and shared maritime security goals.
