India- Japan Coast Guards Hold Joint HNS Response Drill in Mumbai

The Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard carried out a joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) response drill in Mumbai. The exercise was held onboard the pollution response vessel ICGS Samudra Prahari and aimed at enhancing operational coordination, disaster preparedness, and maritime safety cooperation between the two Indo-Pacific partners.

Why in News?

Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard conducted a joint HNS response drill in Mumbai. The exercise focused on improving preparedness against chemical spills at sea.

High-Level India-Japan Maritime Engagement

• As part of the engagement, Japan Coast Guard Commandant Yoshio Seguchi visited the Indian Coast Guard’s Western Regional Headquarters.
• He held a courtesy meeting with Bhisham Sharma, Inspector General and Commander, Coast Guard Region (West).
• Both sides highlighted the growing importance of maritime cooperation, interoperability, and shared responsibility for ensuring safety and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
• The visit reaffirmed strong institutional ties and regular operational exchanges between the two coast guards.

Joint HNS Response Drill

• The core highlight of the visit was the joint training exercise conducted onboard ICGS Samudra Prahari.
• The drill brought together the Indian Coast Guard Pollution Response Strike Team and the Japan Coast Guard’s National Strike Team.
• It focused on handling hazardous chemical spills at sea, deployment of specialised equipment, and coordinated emergency response.
• The exercise demonstrated practical techniques for containment, mitigation, and safety management during maritime pollution incidents.
• Senior commanders from both sides reviewed the drill and assessed response effectiveness.

Training, Planning and Industrial Exposure

• Before the sea-based exercise, detailed planning sessions, rehearsals, and classroom interactions were conducted in Mumbai.
• These sessions covered standard operating procedures, communication protocols, and international best practices for HNS response.
• Beyond operational drills, the Japanese delegation also visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited to understand India’s shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing capabilities.
• The visit enhanced mutual understanding beyond operations, covering industrial cooperation and technological exchange in the maritime sector.

About HNS Response

• Hazardous and Noxious Substances incidents involve chemical spills at sea that can severely impact marine ecosystems, coastal populations, and maritime trade.
• Effective preparedness and international cooperation are essential for rapid containment and environmental protection.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	India-Japan joint HNS response drill
Location	Mumbai
Vessel Used	ICGS Samudra Prahari
Teams Involved	ICG & JCG National Strike Teams
Focus Area	Chemical spill response
Strategic Importance	Indo-Pacific maritime safety

Question

Q1. The joint HNS response drill between India and Japan was conducted onboard.

A. ICGS Vikram
B. ICGS Samudra Prahari
C. INS Vikrant
D. ICGS Shaurya