The Indian Coast Guard, led by DG Rakesh Pal, participated in the 19th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) held in Istanbul, Turkiye, from September 5 to 8, 2023. The annual event brought together 23 Coast Guard Agencies and two associate members (ReCAAP and UNODC) to discuss crucial maritime issues.
During the three-day meeting, discussions covered topics such as maritime law enforcement, safety and security at sea, marine environment protection, and combatting illicit trafficking. The forum aims to strengthen cooperation among Asian Coast Guards and promote safer and cleaner seas in the region.
HACGAM was initiated by Japan after the Indian Coast Guard’s successful capture of the pirated vessel MV Alondra Rainbow in November 1999. It focuses on enhancing collaboration between member states’ Coast Guards through four Working Groups, including Search and Rescue, Environmental Protection, Controlling Unlawful Acts at Sea, and Information Sharing. The Indian Coast Guard chairs the Search and Rescue Working Group and actively participates in the others. The previous edition of HACGAM was hosted in New Delhi in 2022.