India and UAE Sign Agreement on Maritime Security and Safety Cooperation

In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral maritime cooperation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the United Arab Emirates National Guard Command signed an agreement on Maritime Security and Safety Cooperation in New Delhi. The agreement aims to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable maritime environment in the region while strengthening ties between the two nations.

Objectives of the Agreement

The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is designed to,

• 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 Indian Coast Guard emphasized that these initiatives reflect the shared commitment of both India and the UAE to advance institutional linkages and promote collaborative engagements for the security of the seas.

A Part of Wider Cooperation

This marks the 10th such agreement India has signed with Coast Guard agencies of Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). By expanding these professional linkages, India continues to strengthen its maritime security partnerships to address modern challenges such as piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and environmental threats.

Signing Ceremony at the 13th JDCC Meeting

The agreement was formalized during the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and the UAE.

It was signed by Director General of the Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani and UAE Commander of the Coast Guard Group Brigadier Staff Khalid Obaid Shamsi.

Both officials reiterated their countries’ resolve to ensure regional maritime stability and safeguard global shipping lanes, which are vital for international trade.

Strategic Importance

The Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea are crucial for global commerce, energy transportation, and regional security. With this agreement, India and the UAE aim to,

• 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 to ensure maritime peace and stability in the region.