In a significant move, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the United Arab Emirates National Guard Command have inked a crucial pact on Maritime Security and Safety Cooperation in New Delhi, strengthening the strategic ties between the two nations in the maritime domain.
Objectives of the Agreement
- Boost cooperation in Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR).
- Strengthen efforts to combat transnational maritime crimes.
- Enhance Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE).
- Improve coordination in Marine Pollution Response (MPR).
- Build joint capacity through training and operational collaboration.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to foster a safe, secure, and sustainable maritime environment while deepening the collaboration between India and the UAE.
A Part of Wider Cooperation
India’s agreement with the UAE is the 10th of its kind with Coast Guard agencies of Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), reflecting a commitment to enhancing maritime security partnerships to tackle modern challenges like piracy, smuggling, and environmental threats.
Signing Ceremony at the 13th JDCC Meeting
The pact was formalized during the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between both countries, with the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard and the UAE Commander of the Coast Guard Group signing the agreement.
Strategic Importance
- Deter maritime threats like piracy, trafficking, and terrorism.
- Enhance cooperation in maritime safety for merchant vessels and fishing boats.
- Protect the marine ecosystem from pollution and environmental hazards.
- Foster a long-term partnership for maritime peace and stability.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- India and UAE signed an agreement on Maritime Security and Safety Cooperation in New Delhi.
- The pact aims to boost cooperation in Maritime Search and Rescue, combat maritime crimes, and enhance law enforcement.
- The agreement underscores the strategic importance of maritime security in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea regions.
- Both nations are committed to ensuring regional maritime stability and safeguarding global shipping lanes.
