The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) held their 9th High-Level Meeting (HLM) at Mirissa, Sri Lanka, on November 3, with a focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in maritime safety, security and environmental protection.
The Indian delegation was led by Paramesh Sivamani, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, while the Sri Lankan delegation was headed by Rear Admiral Ruwan Rupasena, Director General, Sri Lanka Coast Guard.
The meeting focused on key areas of mutual interest, including Marine Pollution Response, Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement.
Focus on capacity building and operational cooperation
Both delegations also explored avenues for enhancing capacity building and technical assistance initiatives to further strengthen operational cooperation between the two Coast Guards, according to a press release by the Ministry of Defence.
During the deliberations, the delegations reaffirmed their commitment to working closely to address emerging maritime challenges and enhance cooperation in ensuring maritime safety, security and environmental protection across their shared maritime domain.
The meeting highlighted the shared resolve of the Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lanka Coast Guard to strengthen bilateral engagement, promote coordinated responses to maritime contingencies and advance regional cooperation for a safe, secure and clean maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region.
-PIB Inputs
