Japan Coast Guard (JCG) ship Itsukushima concluded a week-long port call at Chennai, as part of its Global Ocean Voyage Training. This was followed by a bilateral joint sea exercise with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) named Exercise JA-MATA, aimed at enhancing operational synergy and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Exercise JA-MATA:
- Name derived from Japanese word meaning “we will meet again”.
- Conducted off the coast of Chennai.
- Included boarding operations, firefighting drills, station-keeping, and coordinated manoeuvres.
- Demonstrated interoperability and operational preparedness between ICG and JCG.
Key Highlights
Port Call Engagements in Chennai:
- 50+ trainee officers from Japan participated.
- Conducted high-level bilateral meetings, professional & cultural exchanges.
- Japanese trainee officers were hosted at ICG Chennai facilities for exposure to Indian maritime operations.
Professional Exchange:
- Four Indian Coast Guard officers will embark onboard Itsukushima as Sea Riders to Singapore.
- Builds on the 2006 Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Japan.
Strategic Context:
- Reinforces commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
- Aligned with India’s SAGAR vision and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
About Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
- Establishment: Formed under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
- Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
- Chief: Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGICG).
- Jurisdiction: Territorial waters, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of India.
Functions and Responsibilities:
- Maritime Law Enforcement: Enforces maritime law and international treaties.
- Protection of Maritime Assets: Safeguards artificial islands, ODAs, and offshore terminals.
- Search and Rescue (SAR): Assists mariners in distress, disaster relief, and environmental protection.
- Anti-Smuggling Operations: Collaborates with customs and other enforcement agencies.
- Marine Pollution Response and scientific data collection.
Initiatives to Strengthen Indian Coast Guard
- SAREX 2024, Sagar Kavach, and other joint exercises.
- Post 26/11 Mumbai attacks, designated as the coastal security authority in territorial waters.
- Commander, Coastal Command (DGICG) ensures coordination among central and state agencies for coastal security.
Significance
- Enhances bilateral maritime cooperation between India and Japan.
- Reflects strong ties in the context of Indo-Pacific strategic convergence.
- A step forward in operational coordination and shared maritime security vision.