New Delhi/Hanoi, August 20, 2025 — The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) held their 6th High-Level Meeting (HLM) in Hanoi on Wednesday, further deepening bilateral maritime security cooperation under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2015.
The meeting was co-chaired by Additional Director General Anand Prakash Badola, PTM, TM, of the Indian Coast Guard, and Major General Vu Trung Kien, Vice Commandant of the Vietnam Coast Guard.
Talks focused on expanding collaboration in key areas including maritime search and rescue (SAR), maritime law enforcement (MLE), marine pollution response (MPR), and capacity building. Both sides reviewed recent professional exchanges and ship visits, and agreed to continue joint activities to strengthen interoperability.
A special emphasis was placed on tackling transnational maritime crimes such as smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal fishing. The two sides also underscored the importance of coordinated search and rescue operations and joint responses to marine pollution incidents to safeguard maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
The delegations reaffirmed their commitment to regular institutional engagement through training programmes, sharing of best practices, and increased ship visits. Officials highlighted that such measures not only enhance operational synergy but also foster mutual trust.
The meeting reinforced the professional partnership between the ICG and VCG, underlining their shared resolve to strengthen regional maritime security, safety, and environmental protection in the Indo-Pacific.
