Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel Varaha made a significant port call at Maputo Port
New Delhi:Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ICGS Varaha made a significant port call at Maputo Port, Mozambique on 14th February as a part of ongoing strategic overseas deployment to East Africa, marking a pivotal milestone in the ongoing diplomatic maritime engagements.
During its three-day visit, the crew of ICGS Varaha will participate in a series of professional interactions in field of Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) and Maritime Law Enforcement including cross-deck training, call on to various Mozambique Naval and maritime agencies officials, sports fixtures, joint yoga sessions, table top exercises and Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Mozambique Naval Forces. The visit of ICGS Varaha, an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel to East African countries also aims to showcase Indian shipbuilding industry prowess and capabilities furthering concept of “Atamnirbhar Bharat”.
Additionally, National Cadet Corps (NCC) embarked onboard ICG ship will be undertaking Beach Cleanup drive in coordination with local youth organisation at Maputo towards GoI initiative “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan” to provide it a international outreach. The collaborative efforts aim to further strengthen the existing ties between the Indian Coast Guard and their counterparts in the Mozambique.
This overseas deployment aligns with the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to fostering bilateral relationships and enhancing international cooperation with Foreign Friendly Countries (FFCs). Notably, prior to this visit, ICGS Varaha had made port calls to Mombasa, Kenya, demonstrating a seamless continuation of diplomatic maritime engagements in the Africa region.
The visit to Maputo holds great significance as it contributes to the reinforcement of bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies. These longstanding relationships are integral to ensuring the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region, while also addressing contemporary maritime challenges.
The deployment of ICGS Varaha to East Africa exemplifies India’s commitment to fostering warm and cordial relations with African countries. The overarching goal is to promote friendly relations through maritime cooperation, aligning with India’s maritime vision encapsulated in “SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region” and the concept of “Global South.”
