Chennai, July 7, 2025 — In a strong display of maritime diplomacy and Indo-Pacific cooperation, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) ship Itsukushima arrived at Chennai Port on Monday as part of its Global Ocean Voyage Training. The visit marks a key moment in the ongoing strategic partnership between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the JCG, aimed at boosting bilateral maritime collaboration and enhancing operational interoperability.
Commanded by Captain Naoki Mizoguchi, Itsukushima received a traditional Indian ceremonial welcome on arrival. The week-long port call will see the JCG crew engage in a range of professional and cultural activities, including courtesy visits, joint training sessions, and ship tours to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between the two maritime forces.
As part of the official engagements, Vice Admiral Hroaki Kaosue of the JCG is scheduled to meet with Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, of the Indian Coast Guard, along with Additional Director General Donny Michael, PTM, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Eastern Seaboard. The discussions will focus on strengthening maritime security cooperation and regional engagement.
The visit will feature joint yoga sessions, sporting events, and professional exchanges, culminating on July 12. Following the Chennai stop, Itsukushima will take part in a joint sea drill named Exercise Jaa Mata—a nod to the Japanese phrase meaning “see you later.” The exercise is designed to enhance coordination and synergy between the two coast guards at sea.
Further symbolizing the growing partnership, four ICG officers will embark as Sea Riders aboard Itsukushima during its onward journey to Singapore, fostering deeper professional exchange and camaraderie.
The visit builds on the longstanding cooperation between India and Japan, anchored in the 2006 Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the two coast guards. It reflects both countries’ commitment to a Free, Open, and Inclusive Indo-Pacific and aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
This milestone event reinforces the enduring friendship and strategic maritime partnership between India and Japan, while promoting peace, security, and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
—
(With inputs from Indian Coast Guard Public Relations Office)
