Indian Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Paheredar makes a port call in Vietnam

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Paheredar with an integral helicopter, made a port call at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, on Tuesday as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

Prior to Ho Chi Minh, the vessel had visited Manila, Philippines to demonstrate diplomatic maritime engagements in the ASEAN region.

During the threeday visit, the crew will engage in professional interactions focussing on marine pollu

Personnel of Indian Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard in Vietnam on Tuesday.

tion response, maritime search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement.

The activities will also include crossdeck training, subject matter expert exchanges, sports events and passage exercise with the Vietnam Coast Guard

(VCG). The visit not only aims to strengthen ties between the ICG and VCG, but also showcases India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. In addition, 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets aboard the vessel will participate in a walkathon and beach cleanup activities. Since 2015, the ICG and VCG have an existing MoU which institutionalised the cooperative engagements between the two maritime agencies.

Overseas deployment

This overseas deployment is a testimony to ICG’s commitment to bolster bilateral relationships and enhance international cooperation with friendly countries, according to a an official release.

The visit of the ICG specialised vessel to these countries is in pursuance with IndiaASEAN Initiative for marine pollution announced during ASEAN Defence Ministers’ meeting in Cambodia in 2022.