Indian Coast Guard ships Shaurya and Rajveer visit Bangladesh to strengthen cooperation, interoperability

Indian Coast Guard Ships ICGS Shaurya and Rajveer visited Chattogram, Bangladesh, for six days from January 13 to January 19, 2023, in order to strengthen their interoperability and cooperative engagements. This is in accordance with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Indian and Bangladesh Coast Guards (BCG).

The visit is important for fostering the bilateral ties with BCG, which have multiplied over time to guarantee safe, secure, and healthy waters in the region, the Ministry of Defence said on Friday.

The ministry added that the successful interactions with several high-ranking BCG officers and personnel have further improved the safety and security of fishermen and seafarers.

During the tour, the Indian Coast Guard's Pollution Response Team led a five-day International Maritime Organization Level I training on pollution response for 20 BCG members for the first time in Bangladesh. Additionally, the BCG staff received training on how to use the pollution response equipment on the ICGS ships Shaurya and Rajveer.

A joint exercise was held at sea with BCG ships to validate the established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in area of environmental protection and Search and Rescue at the end of the visit.

The enthusiasm and keen interest displayed by senior officials and trainees will certainly bolster the marine environmental protection initiatives by the respective Governments in the region, the defence ministry pointed out.