India, Japan Coast Guards Hold HNS Response Drill in Mumbai

The Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard conducted a joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) response drill in Mumbai, reinforcing their maritime partnership and shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The engagement highlighted growing operational cooperation and interoperability between the two coast guards.

High-Level Engagement and Courtesy Meeting

As part of the engagement, Japan Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Yoshio Seguchi led a high-level delegation to the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (West). He held a courtesy meeting with Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander, Coast Guard Region (West). Both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in maritime safety, environmental protection, and disaster response.

Joint Training Onboard ICGS Samudra Prahari

The centrepiece of the visit was a specialised joint HNS response exercise conducted onboard the Indian Coast Guard’s pollution response vessel ICGS Samudra Prahari. The drill brought together the ICG Pollution Response Strike Team and the JCG National Strike Team, which had arrived from Japan specifically for the exercise. The collaboration demonstrated coordinated response mechanisms for maritime chemical incidents.

Planning, Rehearsals and Demonstration

Ahead of the sea exercise, detailed planning sessions, rehearsals, and classroom interactions were held in Mumbai. These focused on standard operating procedures and response protocols for hazardous chemical spills at sea. A joint demonstration of HNS response procedures was later reviewed by the JCG Commandant and the ICG Regional Commander onboard Samudra Prahari, underscoring shared best practices and operational synergy.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• HNS refers to Hazardous and Noxious Substances posing risks at sea.
• ICGS Samudra Prahari is a dedicated pollution response vessel.
• India–Japan maritime cooperation supports a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• National Strike Teams are specialised units for pollution response.

Shipbuilding and Industrial Cooperation

Beyond operational training, the Japanese delegation visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited to gain insights into India’s shipbuilding capabilities. The visit reflected broader cooperation spanning maritime security, environmental protection, and defence-industrial engagement between India and Japan.