In a significant demonstration of India’s commitment to addressing regional marine pollution threats, the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialized Pollution-Control Vessel, arrived at the port of Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, Indonesia, on 01 Oct 23. This visit, a part of India’s ASEAN initiatives for Marine Pollution Response, underscores India’s expertise and collaborative efforts in tackling regional maritime challenges, particularly those related to marine pollution threats.
During this overseas deployment from 11 Sep to 14 Oct 2023, the specialized Pollution Control Vessel earlier made port call in Bangkok, Thailand from 16 Sep to 20 Sep 23. Equipped with a Chetak Helicopter in Pollution Response configuration, the vessel highlights India’s commitment to enhancing pollution response capabilities in the region.
As a part of an overseas exchange program, the ship has aboard 13 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, who will participate actively in the “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan” thereby giving the Abhiyan an international reach. This program focuses on beach clean-ups and similar activities, fostering collaboration with partner nations.
The ship received a warm welcome from BAKAMAL (Indonesia Maritime Security Agency) band playing fanfare and other welcoming military tunes as a gesture to their Indian friends. During the four-day stay of the ship at Jakarta, ICG ship will engage with BAKAMLA in professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, table-top exercises, Pollution Response demonstrations, Joint Yoga sessions, joint exercises, as well as official and social engagements, including visits to capacity-building facilities.
The visit is an outcome of India’s ASEAN initiatives as announced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in the ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus held last year in 2022 in Cambodia. The initiative aligns seamlessly with India’s visionary approach, as outlined by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, encapsulated in “SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region”.