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Context:

US Coast Guard Ship visits Port Blair for the joint exercise “Sea Defenders-2024” with Indian Coast Guard.

Details:

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), will be participating in a joint exercise to bolster bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and India.
• The USCG Ship Bertholf arrived at Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• The joint exercise is codenamed “Sea Defenders-2024” and is scheduled to take place on 9-10th March 2024.

About the Exercise

• The exercise is aimed at enhancing readiness and coordination between the Coast Guards by simulating scenarios relevant to maritime piracy and asymmetric threats, including simulated drone attacks on commercial merchant traffic, joint maritime search and rescue operations, major firefighting, marine pollution response, and counter-drug interdiction exercises, stated the Ministry.

USCGC Bertholf

• The Legend-class United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Bertholf is equipped with advanced technology and weaponry, a helicopter landing pad, state-of-the-art sensors and communication equipment.
• Its operational functions include complex law enforcement, defence, and national security missions.

Significance

• The joint exercise underscores the importance of international cooperation between the U.S. and India in addressing maritime challenges.
• The USCG Ship Bertholf’s visit to India reflects the shared commitment to upholding maritime norms and promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Reaffirming the strategic partnership between the two countries, the extensive interactions between the Indian Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard have been a regular feature to enhance professional relationships.

Strengthening Indian Coast Guard

• In recent years the Indian Coast Guard has received greater attention from the national security apparatus and is receiving greater budget allocation amounting to Rs 7.651.80 crore. Strengthening the Multi Mission Service of the Indian Coast Guard, its capital expenditure is at Rs 3,500 crore builds its capabilities to facilitate maritime challenges and humanitarian assistance to other nations.

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