¨     Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard carried out a joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances response drill in Mumbai.

¨     The exercise reaffirmed their strong maritime partnership.
¨     It also reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
¨     The drill was held onboard the Indian Coast Guard pollution response vessel ICGS Samudra Prahari.
¨     Japan Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Yoshio Seguchi visited the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (West) for the engagement.
¨     Admiral Seguchi held a courtesy meeting with Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander, Coast Guard Region (West).
¨     During the meeting, both sides stressed the need for closer cooperation and emphasised improving operational interoperability.
¨     A specialised joint training exercise was the highlight of the visit.
¨     The exercise involved the Indian Coast Guard Pollution Response Strike Team and the Japan Coast Guard National Strike Team.
¨     Before the sea drill, detailed planning sessions were held in Mumbai.
¨     A joint demonstration of HNS response techniques was later carried out and was reviewed onboard ICGS Samudra Prahari.
¨     Apart from operational training, the Japanese delegation visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.