Coast guards of India, Vietnam agree to step up cooperation

A high-level meeting between the coast guards of India and Vietnam was held here Monday, during which the two sides agreed on augmenting operational level interaction and cooperation, according to a statement.

The Indian side was led by Director General Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Rajendra Singh and Commandant, Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG), Major General Nguyen Van Son led a six-member delegation.

"During the meeting (both) sides agreed to strengthen mutual cooperation in accordance with the provisions of a MoU. Sharing of best management practices and augmenting operational level interaction were also agreed upon, the statement said.

Relations between the two coast guards goes back a long way with ICG ships visiting Vietnam for professional interactions since 2001.

This meeting is in continuation of the efforts by the governments of India and Veitnam to enhance cooperation between the coast guards in the field of maritime safety and security at sea, the statement said.

The commandant along with the delegation will be travelling to Chennai to take part in the welcome ceremony of the first VCG ship to India and also participate in the joint exercise scheduled off the Chennai coast on October 4.

The VCG ship CSB 8001 is scheduled to arrive at Chennai Tuesday for professional interaction and participating in the joint exercise.

"The meeting was significant in providing added impetus to the already existing professional relationship between the coast guards of India and Vietnam, the statement added.