Why In News?
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) held their 7th High-Level Meeting in Chennai on 25 August 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in maritime security, search and rescue, law enforcement, marine pollution response and capacity building.
Key Highlights
- The meeting was held under the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Coast Guard Cooperation between India and Vietnam.
- It was co-chaired by ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani and VCG Vice Commandant Major General Luong Dinh Hung.
- Both sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation and discussed ways to improve coordination and interoperability between the two Coast Guards.
- The main areas of discussion included: Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Law Enforcement, Marine Pollution Response and Training and Capacity Building.
- Both sides also reviewed professional exchanges and ship visits carried out as part of their bilateral cooperation.
- They agreed to continue regular interactions, expand training programmes, share best practices and increase ship visits to strengthen mutual trust and operational capabilities.
SAHYOG-HOPTAC Exercise
- The India-Vietnam Coast Guard Joint Exercise SAHYOG-HOPTAC is scheduled to be conducted at sea on 27 August 2026.
- The exercise will focus on improving coordination and interoperability between the two Coast Guards. It will also provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange operational experience and best practices and further strengthen professional cooperation.
