The Japan Coast Guard Ship ‘Echigo’ has arrived Chennai on a five-day goodwill visit to participate in the Annual Joint Exercise ‘Sahyog-Kaijin’. Four Indian Coast Guard ships, their aircraft and a vessel from the Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology – NIOT are participating in the exercise along with the Japanese vessel.
The 19th such exercise being conducted between the two Coast Guards since 2000. The exercise is being witnessed by Admiral Takahiro Okushima, Commandant, Japan Coast Guard and the Director-General of Indian Coast Guard Krishnaswamy Natarajan.
It aims at further strengthening bilateral ties and mutual understanding between the two Coast Guards. It is set to enhance interoperability in communication and Search and Rescue procedures and sharing of best practices.