The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Saksham has arrived at Antsiranana, Madagascar, on March 18, 2025, as part of its mission to strengthen maritime cooperation with friendly nations in the Indian Ocean. This visit is a step towards enhancing security and sustainable growth in the region, in line with India’s ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
During its stay, the crew of ICGS Saksham will work closely with the Madagascar Coast Guard to exchange knowledge and conduct training sessions. They will focus on key areas like responding to marine pollution, search and rescue operations, and enforcing maritime laws. To build stronger relationships between the two countries, the visit will also include training exercises, cultural activities, and friendly sports matches.
One of the important aspects of this visit is the specialized training that Indian Coast Guard personnel will provide on handling environmental issues at sea. They will teach techniques to control oil spills, chemical spills, and other forms of marine pollution, helping Madagascar prepare for such emergencies in the future. Additionally, as part of the ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’ initiative, 10 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and 10 Assam Rifles personnel from the ship will join hands with local youth groups to clean beaches and spread awareness about marine conservation.
ICGS Saksham’s visit highlights India’s commitment to regional peace and cooperation. It also showcases India’s progress in shipbuilding under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative. By strengthening diplomatic and security ties, this mission reinforces India’s dedication to a stable and secure Indian Ocean region. (PR)