Indian Coast Guard Vessel ICGS Varaha Strengthens Diplomatic Ties with Mozambique
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 15th Feb. The Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ICGS Varaha docked at Maputo Port, Mozambique on February 14, 2024, as part of its ongoing strategic overseas deployment to East Africa. This port call marks a crucial milestone in the continuous diplomatic maritime engagements between India and Mozambique.
During the three-day visit, the crew of ICGS Varaha will engage in a series of professional interactions covering various maritime domains, including Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement. Activities such as cross-deck training, meetings with Mozambique Naval and maritime agency officials, sports events, joint yoga sessions, tabletop exercises, and Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Mozambique Naval Forces are scheduled.
The visit of ICGS Varaha, an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel, aims to showcase India’s shipbuilding industry capabilities, furthering the concept of “Aatmnirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India). Moreover, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) embarked onboard the vessel will undertake a Beach Cleanup drive in coordination with local youth organizations in Maputo, supporting the Government’s initiative “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan” with an international outreach.
This overseas deployment aligns with the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to fostering bilateral relationships and enhancing international cooperation with Foreign Friendly Countries (FFCs). Prior to its visit to Maputo, ICGS Varaha had made port calls to Mombasa, Kenya, showcasing a seamless continuation of diplomatic maritime engagements in the African region.
The visit holds great significance in reinforcing bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies in Mozambique. These relationships are crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region, while also addressing contemporary maritime challenges.
ICGS Varaha’s deployment to East Africa exemplifies India’s commitment to fostering warm and cordial relations with African countries. It aligns with India’s maritime vision encapsulated in “SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region” and the concept of “Global South,” promoting friendly relations through maritime cooperation.
