US Coast Guard ship Bertholf arrives in Port Blair ahead of joint exercise
- A United States Coast Guard (USCG) ship, the Bertholf, reached Port Blair for a joint exercise with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), marking a significant step in bolstering bilateral cooperation between the two forces.
Sea Defenders-2024
- It is a collaborative training mission between the Indian and United States Coast Guards.
- Held off the coast of Port Blair, India, the exercise simulates various maritime threats.
- These include pirate attacks, drone strikes on commercial ships, search and rescue at sea, fighting large fires, responding to ocean pollution, and stopping drug smuggling.
- The event also practices medical evacuations by sea to improve emergency response capabilities.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
- It's an armed force that protects India's interests at sea and enforces maritime laws.
- The ICG's area of responsibility includes India's territorial waters, surrounding zones, and exclusive economic zone.
- They work with other Indian organizations to secure India's maritime interests, assist boats and fishermen in need, and safeguard the marine environment.
Prelims Takeaway
- The Indian Coast Guard
- Sea Defenders