Incheon, South Korea: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) took part in the 20th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM), held from September 3 to 4, 2024, in Incheon, South Korea. This significant forum brought together 23 member Coast Guard agencies to discuss critical maritime issues, including law enforcement, the safety and security of life at sea, environmental protection, and combating illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and humans. The meeting also focused on enhancing future cooperation among the member nations.
During the two-day event, the ICG participated in discussions aimed at improving collaboration on key maritime challenges, reinforcing its commitment to fostering safe, secure, and clean seas in the region. HACGAM, an independent forum, enables member nations to address common maritime concerns, with the participation of associate members such as the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
ICG and Korea Coast Guard Bilateral Meeting
On the sidelines of HACGAM, the 12th annual bilateral meeting between the ICG and the Korea Coast Guard took place on September 4, 2024. The meeting, held under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two agencies in March 2006, focused on enhancing operational-level interactions and capacity-building efforts. Key areas of discussion included maritime search and rescue operations, pollution response, and law enforcement, all of which are crucial for safeguarding the seas in the Indo-Pacific region.
Working Groups and ICG’s Role
The HACGAM forum operates through four specialized working groups that focus on Search and Rescue, Environmental Protection, Controlling Unlawful Acts at Sea, and Information Sharing. The ICG plays a prominent role as the chair of the Search and Rescue Working Group and actively participates in the other groups, showcasing its proactive approach to addressing shared maritime challenges.
By participating in HACGAM and strengthening ties with regional coast guards, the Indian Coast Guard continues to promote maritime safety, security, and environmental protection, aligning with its broader mission to safeguard India’s maritime interests while fostering regional cooperation.