ICGS Vigraha Begins Jakarta Mission to Boost India–Indonesia Maritime Cooperation

ICGS Vigraha’s Indonesia Visit Strengthens Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

Indian Coast Guard Ship Vigraha has commenced a three-day operational visit to Jakarta, Indonesia , as part of its ongoing deployment across ASEAN nations. The visit underscores India and Indonesia’s growing commitment to cooperative maritime security, enhanced operational coordination and regional capacity building in the wider Indo-Pacific.

Operational Interactions and Joint Training

During the visit, personnel from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indonesian Coast Guard (BAKAMLA) will engage in a series of professional exchanges. These include tabletop exercises, shipboard drills and specialised joint training modules aimed at strengthening interoperability. Such engagements help harmonise operational procedures, improving readiness for real-time maritime situations.

Priority Areas: Maritime Enforcement and Safety

Both countries face comparable maritime challenges due to expansive Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and dense shipping traffic. Joint activities focus on Maritime Law Enforcement , Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and marine pollution response . These collaborations enhance the ability of both nations to combat illegal and unregulated fishing, counter trafficking networks, deter piracy and respond efficiently to maritime emergencies.

PASSEX and Capacity Development

A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) will be conducted to refine communication protocols, ship-handling skills and navigational coordination. The programme also includes courtesy calls, ship visits, sports engagements and interactions at training establishments, strengthening trust and people-to-people linkages.

Exam Oriented Facts

• ICG–BAKAMLA MoU signed in July 2020 .

• Both nations manage large EEZs with significant maritime traffic.

• PASSEX enhances communication and seamanship coordination.

• ICGS Vigraha will next visit Port Klang, Malaysia .

Strategic Importance

As leading maritime democracies, India and Indonesia support a Rules-Based Order in the Indo-Pacific. Their increasing Coast Guard cooperation has created practical frameworks for joint enforcement, surveillance and crisis response. The deployment of ICGS Vigraha symbolises India’s long-term commitment to maritime stability across ASEAN waters.