Keeping in line with its aim for regional maritime security, the Indian Coast Guards met with their Sri Lankan counterparts in the 7th Annual High-Level Meeting in Colombo. The meeting was headed by Director General S. Paramesh of the ICG and Director General Rear Admiral Y.R. Serasinghe of the SLCG, signifying the importance of pivotal collaboration between these two nations to ensure regional peace while overcoming critical maritime challenges.
Key Developments and Strategic Objectives
The Annual High-Level Meet is a continuation of previous summits that were brought upon the robust frameworks established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two nations back in 2018. The Annual High-Level Meet also addressed pressing issues faced by both coast guards, as well as explored the common interests, such as:
Critical Focus Areas:
- Maritime drug trafficking prevention: Both the ICG and SLCG are actively engaged in sharing intel and launching joint operations to curb illegal drug trafficking in the region, adhering to the broader objective of regional anti-drug initiatives; similar to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)’s maritime programs in Asia.
- Marine pollution control: The nations are also collaborating to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the IOR. The partnership aims to meet the goals and global environmental standards of international conventions, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s MARPOL protocol on preventing marine pollution.
- Mariners’ safety and rescue protocols: Both coast guards are also collaborating to minimize incidents at sea, and will hold joint rescue operation training exercises.
- Joint capacity-building initiatives: The ICG and SLCG are dedicated to building mutual capacity through rigorous training initiatives, including but not limited to operational best practices, technology utilization, and joint exercises.
- Joint Piracy Prevention: Both agencies have also reaffirmed their commitment and willingness to root out piracy in the region while securing international trade routes.
The 7th high-level meeting between #ICG and Sri Lanka Coast Guard (#SLCG) was convened at #Colombo today. The meeting marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts aimed at combating transnational illegal activities at sea and promoting regional cooperation. The… pic.twitter.com/CeDuYCadK9
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) November 11, 2024
Regional Maritime Security Challenges
The Indian Ocean Region has complex maritime security challenges, both natural and otherwise, thus necessitating the need for stronger bilateral cooperation. A recent UNODC report has shown how maritime routes can be exploited to support illegal activities.
Key Statistics:
- Indian Ocean is responsible for almost 80% of the global maritime trade.
- UNODC’s annual report has shown a significant increase in drug trafficking incidents.
- The increase in illegal fishing has endangered the already fragile maritime environment.
Capacity Building and Technical Cooperation
The Annual High-Level Meet also delved into the need for capacity building and technical cooperation on a deeper level, supported by:
- Regular joint patrolling and pivotal exercises
- Sharing intel and corresponding data analysis
- Joint training initiative for better operational readiness
- Exchange of technology
- A harmonized Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Environmental Protection Initiatives
The Annual High-Level Meet also took into consideration the environment, understanding the need for better protection initiatives that align with the standards set by the IMO:
- Prevention and response to oil spills
- Protection for the Maritime Ecosystem
- Sustainable fishing
- Protocols to support waste management and prevention
Expert Analysis
Experts from the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) have already emphasized that this partnership and collaboration between the two nations will contribute significantly to regional stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region while also being critical to the maritime environment. Furthermore, future Annual High-Level Meets between the Indian and Sri Lankan coast guards will bear more fruits, such as a dialogue at a deeper level that can contribute to securing the vital maritime routes and protecting the marine resources in the region.
The next 8th Annual High-Level meeting is set to take place next year, in India, to continue bilateral dialogues and improve the collaboration between the ICG and SLCG, for better regional maritime cooperation.
