The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Sujay made a significant port call in Bali, Indonesia on September 18, 2024. This visit, part of its ongoing overseas deployment to East Asia, will last three days and involves professional and cultural engagements. ICGS Sujay, equipped with an integral helicopter, is on a mission to bolster maritime cooperation with Indo-Pacific nations.
Focus on Maritime Cooperation with Indonesia
During this visit, the crew of ICGS Sujay will engage in extensive professional interactions with their counterparts from Badan Keamanan Laut Republik Indonesia (BAKAMLA). These discussions will focus on key areas of mutual interest, including Operational Turn Around, Marine Pollution Response, Maritime Search & Rescue, and Maritime Law Enforcement. Such dialogues reflect a long-standing commitment to enhancing maritime security and operational readiness between India and Indonesia.
The deployment of ICGS Sujay also showcases India’s focus on fostering maritime cooperation through its diplomatic naval missions in the Indo-Pacific region. This engagement supports both nations in addressing shared challenges like marine pollution, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue operations.
Cross-Deck Training, Sports, and Environmental Initiatives
In addition to professional interactions, the visit will feature a variety of cultural and fitness activities. The Indian Coast Guard and BAKAMLA will participate in joint cross-deck training, focusing on operational procedures and rescue operations. Both forces will engage in friendly sports competitions and joint yoga sessions, promoting camaraderie and mutual respect.
An important highlight of the visit will be an environmental protection walkathon aimed at raising awareness about marine pollution. This initiative, led by 10 NCC cadets aboard ICGS Sujay, is in collaboration with local Indonesian youth organizations. The cadets, along with local volunteers, will participate in the walkathon to educate the community on the harmful impacts of marine pollution and to promote environmental stewardship.
Strengthening Maritime Diplomacy
The visit by ICGS Sujay is part of a broader framework for enhanced maritime cooperation. On July 6, 2020, the Indian Coast Guard signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BAKAMLA. This agreement has institutionalized a cooperative relationship between the two nations, with a focus on strengthening maritime security, ensuring a safe maritime environment, and promoting operational collaboration.
Diplomatic Engagement Across the Region
Prior to this visit to Bali, ICGS Sujay had made successful port calls in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Incheon, South Korea. These visits are a continuation of India’s diplomatic maritime engagements in the Indo-Pacific region. Each port call serves to deepen ties with regional partners while demonstrating India’s dedication to maritime security and cooperation.
The ongoing deployment of ICGS Sujay to East Asia reflects India’s strategic intent to foster warm relations with Indo-Pacific countries through cooperative engagements. By promoting friendship and maritime cooperation, the Indian Coast Guard highlights the importance of collaboration in areas such as maritime law enforcement, pollution response, and search and rescue operations. The presence of ICGS Sujay in Indonesia showcases India’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.
Expanding Bilateral Relations through Maritime Engagement
The visit of ICGS Sujay to Bali is not just a symbol of India’s operational prowess in maritime rescue and law enforcement but also of the shared maritime responsibilities between India and Indonesia. The mutual exchange of knowledge, best practices, and collaborative activities during the visit highlights the ongoing efforts by both nations to promote regional security and sustainability.
ICGS Sujay and its crew are playing an instrumental role in enhancing relations through joint exercises, training programs, and environmental protection initiatives. By engaging in these activities, the Indian Coast Guard reinforces its role as a key partner in ensuring the safety, security, and ecological sustainability of the maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
The deployment also emphasizes India’s proactive approach to maritime diplomacy. As tensions and security challenges rise across global waters, India’s leadership in fostering maritime cooperation becomes increasingly essential. The visit to Bali is a clear testament to India’s strategic vision for a secure and cooperative Indo-Pacific region.
