Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Vigraha has reached Jakarta, Indonesia, for a three-day operational visit from December 2–5 as part of its broader deployment to ASEAN countries. The stopover features an extensive line-up of engagements between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indonesian Coast Guard (BAKAMLA), aimed at enhancing cooperation across key areas of regional maritime security.

The schedule includes professional interactions, tabletop exercises, shipboard drills and joint training modules that will allow personnel from both sides to exchange expertise and standard operating procedures. The collaboration is centred on Maritime Law Enforcement, Marine Pollution Response and Maritime Search and Rescue — areas where India and Indonesia hold major responsibilities due to their expansive Exclusive Economic Zones and dense commercial sea routes. A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) will also be conducted to refine communication, seamanship coordination and operational cohesion during real-time scenarios.

Beyond operational activities, the visit offers opportunities for courtesy calls, ship visits, sports interactions, yoga sessions and training-centre engagements, helping deepen personal connections and build lasting camaraderie. Such people-centric exchanges are seen as vital for strengthening long-term maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

The partnership draws strength from the Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2020 between ICG and BAKAMLA, which created a formal mechanism for cooperation in law enforcement, coordinated patrols, information sharing, Search and Rescue and capacity building. Since then, both forces have engaged regularly through bilateral visits, training programmes and ASEAN-linked maritime frameworks.

ICGS Vigraha’s presence in Jakarta reaffirms India’s commitment to collaborative maritime security and its support for regional preparedness. After completing this leg, the ship will proceed to Port Klang, Malaysia, continuing its mission to reinforce regional engagement and promote stability across the Indo-Pacific.

News source: PIB