CHENNAI, JAN 16
The 19th annual joint exercise code named “Sahyog-Kaijin’’ of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Japanese Coast Guard (JCG) was held in Chennai coast on Thursday.
The JCG ship “Echigo’’ participated in the exercise along with four ICG ships, three aircrafts and a vessel from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), said a release from Defence PRO.
In accordance with the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between the Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard in 2006, both the Coast Guards have been conducting regular interactions including High Level visits, Annual Joint Exercises code named “Sahyog-Kaijin,” training exchanges and participation in short term training workshops/seminars. In continuance of the existing cooperation, the Japan Coast Guard Ship ‘Echigo’ arrived Chennai on January 13 on a five –day goodwill visit.
The ship participated in the Annual Joint Exercise’ Sahyog- Kaijin’ off Chennai. This is the 19th such exercise being conducted between the two Coast Guards since its institution in the year 2000.
This Joint Exercise was witnessed by Admiral Takahiro Okushima, Commandant, Japan Coast Guard and Director General Krishnaswamy Natarajan, PTM, TM Director General Indian Coast Guard.
The exercise is aimed at further strengthening ties and mutual understanding between the two Coast Guards, enhancing interoperability in communication as well as Search and Rescue procedures and sharing of best practices.
Such exercise are also mutually beneficial and strengthen the existing bilateral relationship, which enable both the Coast Guards to work together to protect shared interests if such need arises, whether it is responding to threats of piracy or humanitarian disasters.
During the stay of JCG ship Echigo in harbour, various activities are planned including official calls reciprocal visit onboard ships, sporting, cultural interactions and professional interactions between personnel of both the Coast Guards.
At the helm of the JCG ship is the Commanding Officer, Captain Kiyoshi Harada who is assisted by a team of professional and highly motivated men of the JCG, the release added.
