7th Annual India-Sri Lanka Coast Guard Meet Boosts Regional Maritime Security

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) held their 7th Annual High-Level Meeting in Colombo on November 11, 2024. The meeting was attended by a four-member ICG delegation, led by Director General S. Paramesh, and a SLCG delegation headed by Director General Rear Admiral YR Serasinghe. 

Event Overview

• The 7th Annual High-Level Meeting was held in Colombo on November 11, 2024.

Delegations

• Indian Coast Guard (ICG) delegation led by Director General S. Paramesh (four-member team).
• Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) delegation headed by Director General Rear Admiral YR Serasinghe.

Key Focus Areas

• The meeting emphasized cooperation between the two coast guards to address regional maritime challenges.

Focus on issues such as,

• Drug trafficking in the maritime domain.
• Marine pollution and measures for cleaner oceans.
• Safety of mariners and maritime rescue operations.
• Adoption of best practices for effective maritime governance.
• Capacity-building programs to enhance skills and knowledge sharing.
• Development of other collaborative arrangements for better coordination.

Outcomes of the Meeting

• Both Coast Guards reaffirmed their commitment to mutual cooperation for addressing the identified challenges.
• The meeting focused on enhancing the maritime safety and security framework in the region.
• Both sides agreed to strengthen existing collaborative efforts and look for new opportunities to work together.

Institutionalized Mechanism

• This meeting follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lanka Coast Guard in May 2018, which formalized the annual meeting structure.

Future Plans

• The 8th edition of the meeting is scheduled to be hosted by the Indian Coast Guard in 2025.

Significance

• This annual meeting is a vital step in fostering regional maritime security and cooperation.
• Strengthens bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka in terms of maritime governance, security, and collaboration.

Indian Coast Guard

What is it?

• An armed force that protects India’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law.
• Jurisdiction includes India’s territorial waters, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone.

History

• Formally established in 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
• Recognized as an independent armed force of India.

Parent Ministry

• Operates under the Ministry of Defence.

Administration

• Headed by the Director General of Indian Coast Guard (DGICG).

Headquarters

• Located at Coast Guard Headquarters (CGHQ) in New Delhi.