The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the South Asian nation's force tasked with guarding its maritime borders, took part in a demonstration where it showcased its "pollution response capabilities" during an exercise in Bangkok, Thailand.
As per a statement released by India's Defense Ministry on Thursday, ICG vessel 'Samudra Prahari' displayed the country's expertise in tackling "marine pollution" as it took part in a "comprehensive Pollution Response Table-Top exercise" at the Khlong Toei Port in the Thai capital on Wednesday.
"The exercise involved a scenario that devised and tested Thailand's Maritime Pollution Response contingency plan in collaboration with the ICG," the Defense Ministry statement read.
The ministry added that the exercise "fostered knowledge sharing and an interactive environment among the services, ensuring seamless cooperation during real-life oil pollution scenarios."
Besides ICG personnel, the participants in the drills involved service members from Thailand's Maritime Enforcement Coordination Centre (MECC), Royal Navy, Marine Department, Customs Department, and Fisheries Department.
Of late, the Indian Coast Guard has been making regular visits to friendly countries to expand cooperation in areas such as maritime surveillance, anti-drug trafficking operations, etc.
This is in addition to the Indian Navy's focus on growing its influence, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which is increasingly becoming the focal point of global geopolitics.