Japanese Coast Guard ship arrives at Chennai for joint exercises

The Japan Coast Guard Ship JCGS Itsukushima arrived at the Chennai Port on Monday (July 7, 2025) as part of its ‘Global Ocean Voyage Training’ programme.

The visit highlights “the deep and enduring bond” between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), the ICG said in a statement that reaffirmed “the strategic partnership in the vital Indo-Pacific region”, with a focus on enhancing interoperability between the two maritime forces.

Upon its arrival, the JCGS Itsukushima, commanded by Captain Naoki Mizoguchi, was accorded a warm ceremonial welcome in accordance with Indian traditions. During its week-long port call at Chennai, the crew of the visiting ship will participate in a series of activities, including official courtesy calls, reciprocal ship visits, and joint training and interactive sessions aimed at fostering mutual cooperation and understanding, the ING’s statement said.

As part of the official engagements, the JCG delegation led by Vice Admiral Hroaki Kaosue will call on Paramesh Sivamani, Director General, ICG.

Bilateral discussions are also scheduled between the JCG’s representatives and Additional Director General Donny Michael, PTM (President’s Tatrakshak Medal), TM (Tatrakshak Medal), Commander, ICG Eastern Seaboard.

Following the Chennai visit, the JCGS Itsukushima will participate in a joint sea exercise named ‘Jaa Mata’ (‘see you later’ in the Japanese) with the ICG. The exercise will focus on enhancing coordination and operational synergy at sea.

Four officers from the ICG will travel onward aboard the JCGS Itsukushima, as part of the Sea Riders exchange programme between Coast Guard services, on the ship’s passage next to Singapore, to further foster camaraderie and collaboration between the two forces.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, aligned with common maritime priorities under India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

The port call by the JCGS Itsukushima is expected to mark another significant milestone in advancing maritime diplomacy, enhancing operational synergy, and deepening mutual trust and friendship between the two Coast Guard forces.