India, Japan Coast Guards Deepen Maritime Cooperation at 22nd High-level Meet

16 Jan 2026 CW Team

The discussions enabled both sides to review the existing framework of bilateral cooperation and identify areas for strengthening operational engagement. Key focus areas included Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), and capacity building. Both delegations highlighted the need to enhance interoperability, share best practices, and sustain structured engagements under the existing Memorandum of Cooperation between the two Coast Guards.

Cooperation in emerging and future-oriented domains such as technology adoption, information-sharing mechanisms, training programmes, and personnel exchanges also featured prominently. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the steady progress achieved since the previous high-level meeting and reiterated their commitment to maintaining regular interactions at multiple operational and strategic levels.

India’s ongoing Presidency of the Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS), as well as its forthcoming hosting of the 5th CGGS and the International Coast Guard Fleet Review (ICGFR), formed an important part of the dialogue. In this context, the two Coast Guards explored opportunities for enhanced coordination and engagement in multilateral maritime forums. The JCG confirmed its participation in the ICGFR through the deployment of its ship and aircraft.

The meeting also took note of the India–Japan Joint Declaration issued in August 2025, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order. As part of the visit programme, the JCG delegation will travel to Mumbai for industrial and professional interactions, including a joint marine pollution response exercise focusing on hazardous and noxious substances spill response.

The 22nd High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) was held in New Delhi on January 14, 2026, underscoring the depth and continuity of maritime cooperation between the two countries. The meeting was co-chaired by Paramesh Sivamani, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, and Admiral Yoshio Saguchi, Commandant, Japan Coast Guard, who is on an official visit to India from January 13 to 17, 2026, leading a nine-member delegation.The discussions enabled both sides to review the existing framework of bilateral cooperation and identify areas for strengthening operational engagement. Key focus areas included Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), and capacity building. Both delegations highlighted the need to enhance interoperability, share best practices, and sustain structured engagements under the existing Memorandum of Cooperation between the two Coast Guards.Cooperation in emerging and future-oriented domains such as technology adoption, information-sharing mechanisms, training programmes, and personnel exchanges also featured prominently. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the steady progress achieved since the previous high-level meeting and reiterated their commitment to maintaining regular interactions at multiple operational and strategic levels.India’s ongoing Presidency of the Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS), as well as its forthcoming hosting of the 5th CGGS and the International Coast Guard Fleet Review (ICGFR), formed an important part of the dialogue. In this context, the two Coast Guards explored opportunities for enhanced coordination and engagement in multilateral maritime forums. The JCG confirmed its participation in the ICGFR through the deployment of its ship and aircraft.The meeting also took note of the India–Japan Joint Declaration issued in August 2025, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order. As part of the visit programme, the JCG delegation will travel to Mumbai for industrial and professional interactions, including a joint marine pollution response exercise focusing on hazardous and noxious substances spill response.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Second Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough in Palghar Advances High Speed Rail

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail (MAHSR) project reached a milestone with the breakthrough of a mountain tunnel in Palghar, Maharashtra. Mountain tunnel MT-six measures 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide and will accommodate up and down tracks. The breakthrough follows MT-five near Saphale on second January 2026 and the MT-six excavation was completed from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. The ministry reported that the tunnelling was completed within 12 months. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method is favoured for its flexibility in complex geology and irregular tunnel s..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Modi Government Pushes Atmanirbhar Container Drive With BCSL MoU

The Union Government advanced a plan to create an integrated, domestically anchored container ecosystem with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). The MoU was signed by key agencies including the Shipping Corporation of India and Container Corporation of India alongside major port authorities and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in the presence of senior ministers. The initiative aligns with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026–2..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Ministry Reports Gains In Mobility For Marginalised Communities

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing skill development, education and rehabilitation schemes to promote socio-economic mobility and sustainable livelihoods for marginalised and disadvantaged communities across the country. Programmes target Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, De-notified Tribes and Safai Karamcharis through specialised implementing corporations and empanelled training institutes. Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana, or PM-DAKSH, provided skill training and placement support through the Nati..