By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON The 6th High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard and the Vietnam Coast Guard was held in Hanoi on Wednesday under the framework of the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding on Coast Guard Cooperation, according to media reports.
Ministry of Defence in a statement issued stated that the discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in Maritime Search and Rescue, Maritime Law Enforcement, Marine Pollution Response, and Capacity Building.
Special emphasis was placed on tackling transnational maritime crimes, including smuggling, trafficking, and illegal fishing, it noted.
The meeting was co-chaired by Additional Director General ICG Anand Prakash Badola and Vice Commandant VCG Major General Vu Trung Kien.
Both sides reviewed recent ship visits and professional exchanges, while agreeing to expand joint initiatives aimed at enhancing interoperability.
The delegations also underlined the importance of coordinated SAR operations and joint pollution response mechanisms to safeguard maritime safety and protect the marine environment.
They reaffirmed their commitment to regular institutional interactions, training programmes, exchange of best practices, and ship visits, both Coast Guards stressed that such engagements foster mutual trust and operational synergy.
The meeting reflected their shared resolve to work together in the spirit of friendship and cooperation to ensure regional maritime security, safety, and environmental sustainability.
