22nd High-level meeting between Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard held in New Delhi

The 22nd High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) was held in New Delhi on January 14, 2026, reaffirming the strong and enduring maritime partnership between both the nations. The meeting was co-chaired by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, and Admiral Yoshio Saguchi, Commandant, Japan Coast Guard, who is on an official visit to India from January 13 to 17, 2026, leading a nine-member delegation.

The High-Level Meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review the existing framework of bilateral cooperation for further strengthening operational engagement. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in key areas such as Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), and capacity building. Both sides emphasised the importance of sharing best practices, enhancing interoperability and sustaining structured engagements under the existing Memorandum of Cooperation between the two Coast Guards.

The discussion also covered cooperation in emerging and future-oriented areas, including the use of technology, information sharing mechanisms, training initiatives, and personnel exchanges. Both delegations expressed satisfaction over the steady progress achieved since the previous high-level meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular engagements at multiple levels.

India's current Presidency of the Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) and its upcoming hosting of the 5th CGGS along with the International Coast Guard Fleet Review (ICGFR) also featured prominently in the discussions. In this context, both sides explored avenues for enhanced engagement and cooperation in multilateral maritime forums.

The JCG conveyed its assurance of participation in the ICGFR through the deployment of its ship and aircraft, reflecting the depth of bilateral maritime cooperation and the importance attached to these engagements.

The meeting also took note of the India-Japan Joint Declaration issued in August 2025, which reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order. The discussions highlighted the crucial role of the ICG and the JCG in translating the strategic vision outlined in the Joint Declaration into tangible and practical co-operation at sea.

As part of the visit programme, the JCG delegation will visit Mumbai from January 16 to 17, 2026, where they are scheduled to undertake an industrial visit to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and participate in professional interactions aimed at strengthening maritime industrial and operational linkages. Additionally, a Japan Coast Guard National Strike Team (NST) is also visiting Mumbai and will conduct a joint exercise with the ICG pollution response team, focusing on Hazardous and Noxious Substances spill response. The exercise is aimed at enhancing preparedness, operational coordination, and mutual understanding in responding to complex marine pollution incidents.

***

SR/SS