THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) have enhanced maritime cooperation through the conduct of the second bilateral meeting in New Delhi, India, on 09 December 2024.
This initiative was part of the ongoing cooperation framework between the PCG and ICG, specifically on improving collaboration in maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine pollution response, and capacity building.
On behalf of PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan PCG, PCG Deputy Commandant for Administration, Rear Admiral Edgar L Ybañez PCG, and ICG Deputy Director General on Operations and Coastal Security, Inspector General Anupam Rai, presided over the discussions to intensify joint search and rescue (SAR) operations and swift responses during maritime emergencies.
Coast Guard K9 Force Commander, Commodore Antonio Sontillanosa Jr PCG, also joined the meeting where they tackled cooperative ways to address transnational maritime crimes including smuggling, trafficking, and illegal fishing.
The meeting also included discussions on PCG-ICG joint marine pollution responses, where both sides emphasized the importance of capacity building through knowledge sharing, training programs, and joint maritime exercises to enhance interoperability.
The second bilateral meeting occurred during the PCG’s official visit to India from 08 to 12 December 2024. This meeting was a key outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation, signed between the PCG and ICG in New Delhi, India, on 22 August 2023.
Building on this foundation, the meeting also focused on the ongoing draft of the Implementing Arrangement to operationalize the MOU. This arrangement aims to establish four (4) dedicated working groups: the Marine Environmental Protection Response Working Group, the Maritime Safety Working Group, the Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Working Group, and the Capacity Building and Training Working Group.
Aside from discussions with the ICG, the PCG delegation also met with the Joint Secretary (Naval Systems) of the Ministry of Defence, Shri Rajeev Prakash, as well as representatives from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). They further met with the Philippine Ambassador to India, His Excellency Josel F. Ignacio, and other members of the Embassy, expanding the scope of engagement during the official visit.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Philippine Coast Guard – Philippines Facebook Page.
