Indian Coast Guard ships arrive in Maldives on visit aimed at boosting maritime cooperation

Indian Coast Guard’s offshore patrol vessel ICGS Vaibhav and fast patrol vessel ICGS Abhiraj made a port call in the Maldivian capital Male’ City on Monday, as part of an overseas deployment to the Indian Ocean region.

According to the Indian Coast Guard, the visit aims to strengthen maritime cooperation with the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), focusing on marine pollution response, search and rescue, and law enforcement.

During their four-day stay in Maldives, the crew of ICGS Vaibhav and ICGS Abhiraj will engage in cross-deck training sessions, collaborative discussions, joint diving exercises, and friendly sports events, reflecting the shared commitment to maritime safety and security.

According to the Indian Coast Guard, the deployment will also underscore environmental stewardship, with National Cadet Corps (NCC) personnel aboard the ships actively participating in an environment protection awareness program. Conducted in collaboration with local youth organizations, this initiative aligns with India’s 'Puneet Sagar Abhiyan,' a campaign dedicated to conserving marine ecosystems.

The crew is also set to visit the Kudagiri Picnic Island.

After their Maldives visit, the vessels will continue to Sri Lanka, with planned stops in Colombo and Galle for professional engagements with their Sri Lankan counterparts.

According to the Indian Coast Guard, the missing aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) framework, which is focused on maritime cooperation, regional stability, and environmental sustainability.