Indian, South Korean coast guards to jointly hold naval exercise

The coast guards of India and South Korea will hold a joint exercise 'Sshyog-Hyeoblyeog-2016' in Bay of Bengal off Chennai from June 8 to 11, said an official statement on Monday.

In a statement issued here, the Indian defence ministry said: "The aim of the exercise is to strengthen the working level relationship between the two coast guards and further refine the joint operating procedures."

Korea Coast Guard ship 3009 will participate in the exercise, whose highlights encompass an anti piracy scenario wherein the hijacked vessel is subsequently rescued in a combined operation of both coast guards, the interdiction of the pirate vessel, a joint boarding operation and other exercises.

In addition, the Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft will be demonstrating their prowess before the Korean delegation.

The exercise would be jointly witnessed by the Indian Coast Guard's Director General Rajendra Singh, and his counterpart, Korea Coast Guard's Commissioner General Hong Ik-tae.

During their stay, the South Korean delegation would be calling on important dignitaries in Chennai.

In addition, a friendly volleyball match between the coast guards will be organised on June 9.

Consequent upon the Indian government's approval to conduct combined exercises between the coast guards of the two nations, an MoU was signed between the coastal security agencies in 2004.

Last year Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarang visited South Korea and now Korean Coast Guard Ship 3009 is visiting India.

--IANS

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