What Did Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guards Discuss on Maritime Rescues?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced cooperation in marine pollution response.
- Strengthened maritime search and rescue capabilities.
- Commitment to regional maritime stability.
- Focus on capacity building and technical assistance.
- Significant advancements in bilateral relations.
New Delhi, Aug 11 (NationPress) The agenda of the 8th High-Level Meeting (HLM) between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) highlighted collaborative efforts in marine pollution response and maritime search and rescue. An official statement indicated that the meeting emphasized the joint commitment of ICG and SLCG to enhance operational coordination, exchange best practices, and bolster regional maritime stability through ongoing cooperation.
This meeting represents a significant advancement in the strong maritime partnership shared by the two nations, reaffirming their dedication to working in close collaboration, as stated by the official.
Discussions focused on improving cooperative efforts in marine pollution response, maritime search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement, as well as enhancing capacity building and technical assistance initiatives, according to the statement.
The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Director General SLCG Rear Admiral Y.R. Serasinghe, while the Indian delegation was headed by ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to jointly tackle current maritime challenges, ensuring safety, security, and environmental stewardship within their shared maritime area, according to the statement.
The SLCG delegation is in India from August 10-14, participating in the HLM and additional professional engagements under the Memorandum of Understanding established between ICG and SLCG in 2018.
In related news, the Indian Navy has announced preparations for the simultaneous commissioning of two advanced frontline frigates - Udaygiri (F35) and Himgiri (F34) - scheduled for August 26 at Visakhapatnam.
This event will mark the first occasion where two major surface combatants from two distinguished Indian shipyards will be commissioned concurrently, according to an official.
Both vessels have emerged from an industrial ecosystem that includes over 200 MSMEs, supporting around 4,000 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect jobs.
This achievement highlights the success of the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives within the defense sector, as noted in an official statement.