ICGS Saksham Strengthens Maritime Ties with Madagascar

ICGS Saksham Strengthens Maritime Ties with Madagascar. Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Saksham made a strategic port call at Antsiranana, Madagascar, on March 18, 2025. This visit is a part of India’s outreach to friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The deployment showcases India’s maritime strength and commitment to regional security under the ‘SAGAR’ initiative – Security and Growth for All in the Region.

ICGS Saksham Strengthens Maritime Ties with Madagascar

Strengthening Maritime Cooperation

• The visit includes joint training sessions between the Indian Coast Guard and the Madagascar Coast Guard.
• Focus areas include Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement.
• Cross-deck training exercises will enhance interoperability between the two forces.

Environmental & Community Initiatives

• Marine Pollution Response Training: Indian Coast Guard personnel will provide hands-on training for handling oil spills, chemical spills, and marine pollution incidents.
• Puneet Sagar Abhiyan: 10 NCC cadets and 10 Assam Rifles personnel aboard ICGS Saksham will participate in beach clean-up drives and awareness programs with local youth.
• These efforts reinforce India’s commitment to marine conservation and environmental sustainability.

Cultural & Diplomatic Engagements

• The visit includes cultural exchanges and friendly sporting events to strengthen camaraderie between the two maritime forces.
• This engagement fosters people-to-people ties and enhances diplomatic relations.

India’s Maritime Vision & Aatmanirbhar Bharat

• The visit aligns with India’s maritime vision ‘SAGAR’, which promotes regional security and stability.
• It highlights India’s shipbuilding capabilities under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, showcasing indigenous defense manufacturing.
• The deployment underscores India’s proactive approach in engaging with Indian Ocean nations for mutual security and growth.

Conclusion

ICGS Saksham’s visit to Madagascar symbolizes India’s growing maritime cooperation and commitment to a secure and sustainable Indian Ocean Region. Through joint training, environmental initiatives, and cultural exchanges, this deployment strengthens diplomatic and security ties between India and Madagascar.