The Impressive TimesManila Bay, Philippines, March 26, 2024– In a significant move aimed at showcasing India’s commitment to maritime cooperation and environmental stewardship, the Indian Coast Guard ship ‘Samudra Paheredar’ has docked at Manila Bay, Philippines, on a three-day visit. The arrival of this specialized Pollution Control Vessel marks a pivotal moment in India’s engagement with ASEAN countries, emphasizing shared concerns regarding marine pollution and bolstering bilateral ties with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The visit of ‘Samudra Paheredar’ is part of a broader initiative to demonstrate the Indian Coast Guard’s Marine Pollution Response capabilities within the ASEAN region. This deployment, scheduled from March 25 to April 12, 2024, encompasses visits to Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei, underlining India’s continued commitment to regional cooperation. Notably, this deployment follows a similar initiative undertaken in 2023, wherein Pollution Control Vessels visited several ASEAN countries.
Equipped with specialized marine pollution control equipment and a Chetak Helicopter configured for Pollution Response, ‘Samudra Paheredar’ is poised to showcase India’s capabilities in containing and recovering spilled oil, augmenting maritime operations. The ship’s itinerary includes port calls in Manila (Philippines), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Muara (Brunei), accompanied by Pollution Response training sessions and practical demonstrations of various equipment.
Furthermore, in a gesture of international outreach and collaboration, ‘Samudra Paheredar’ has embarked 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets to participate in the Government’s ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan.’ Collaborating with partner nations, local youth organizations, and the ship’s crew, the cadets will engage in beach cleanup activities during the port calls, fostering environmental stewardship and cultural exchange.
This visit holds strategic importance in strengthening bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Vietnam Coast Guard, and Brunei Maritime agencies. The Indian Coast Guard maintains Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) towards Enhanced Maritime Cooperation and Maritime Safety and Security with these agencies, reflecting a commitment to regional safety, security, and environmental preservation.
The agenda for the visit includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, joint exercises, and official engagements, facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity-building efforts. As ‘Samudra Paheredar’ continues its voyage, it symbolizes India’s dedication to fostering maritime cooperation and safeguarding marine environments within the ASEAN region and beyond.
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