Did Personnel on ICG Ship Sarthak Hold a Meditation Session at King Abdulaziz Port in Saudi Arabia?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ICG Ship Sarthak conducted a meditation session at King Abdulaziz Port.
- The ship is on a five-day goodwill visit to Saudi Arabia.
- Strengthening maritime security cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia is a primary goal.
- ICGS Sarthak has recently visited both Iran and Kuwait, enhancing regional ties.
- The visit reflects India's commitment to secure maritime engagement.
Riyadh, Dec 21 (NationPress) The crew aboard the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sarthak observed a unique meditation session on Sunday at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to celebrate World Meditation Day.
Earlier that day, ICG Ship Sarthak docked at King Abdulaziz Port in Saudi Arabia's Dammam for a five-day goodwill mission.
Officials from the Border Guards, Royal Saudi Naval Forces, and Port Authorities welcomed ICGS Sarthak upon its arrival.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia shared on X, "Strengthening India-Saudi Arabia maritime security cooperation! Indian Coast Guard Ship, ICGS Sarthak sailed into #KingAbdulaziz Port, Dammam in Saudi Arabia today on a 5-day Goodwill Visit."
Upon arrival, ICGS Sarthak was greeted by officials from the Border Guards and Navy. The ship's captain engaged in discussions regarding bilateral engagements and cooperation with his counterparts.
Earlier this week, ICGS Sarthak visited Chabahar Port in Iran for a four-day stay from December 16-19, marking the first visit of an ICG ship to that port.
This visit highlights India's increasing maritime involvement in the region and its capability to ensure secure supply routes to Afghanistan and Central Asia, in line with India's SAGAR and MAHASAGAR vision of cooperative maritime engagement.
In a statement posted on X, the Indian Coast Guard remarked, "Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarthak concluded its first port call at Chabahar Port, Iran, as part of its Operational Deployment. The visit included significant professional engagements such as effective #TTEx and harbor demonstrations on marine environmental protection and MSAR. A follow-up PASSEX improved interoperability and coordination in maritime law enforcement, strengthening ties between ICG and Iranian maritime agencies. The crew also took part in an awareness drive under Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, aligning the mission with India's MAHASAGAR vision."
On December 13, ICG Ship Sarthak wrapped up its goodwill visit to Kuwait after engaging in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Kuwait Navy Ship KNS Al Garoh, emphasizing the growing maritime collaboration between the two nations.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait noted that this exercise enhanced India-Kuwait maritime interoperability and mutual understanding for potential joint operations in the region and beyond.