CHENNAI: Japan Coast Guard Ship “Echigo” arrived at the Chennai Port today to take part in the annual joint exercise “Sahyog-Kajiri” to be conducted off Chennai Coast on 16 January.
This will be the 19th exercise to be conducted between the two Coast Guards since its institution in 2000 and it would be witnessed by Japan Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Takahiro Okushima and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Director General Krishnaswamy Natarajan.
In addition to JCG ship Echigo, four ICG ships, three aircraft and a vessel from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) will be participating in the joint exercise, which was aimed at further strengthening the ties and mutual understanding between the two Coast Guards, besides enhancing interoperability in communication as well as Search and Rescue procedures and sharing of best practices.
This exercise will also be mutually beneficial and strengthen the existing bilateral relationship, which enable both the Coast Guards to work together to protect shared interests if such need arises, whether it was responding to threats of piracy or humanitarian disasters, sources said.
During its stay at the habour, various activities are planned, including officials calls, reciprocal visit onbord ships, sporting, cultural and professional interactions between the two Coast Guards.