ICGS Vigraha Undertakes Operational Visit to Indonesia as Part of its Overseas Deployment to ASEAN Countries

As part of its overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Vigraha undertook an operational visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, from 2-5 December 2025. During the three-day visit, personnel of the ICG and Indonesian Coast Guard (BAKAMLA) participated in an extensive programme of activities, including professional interactions, tabletop exercises, shipboard drills and joint training sessions. The visit underscored the growing centrality of Coast Guard-to-Coast Guard cooperation in promoting maritime safety, security and environmental stewardship in the region.

The engagements focused on Maritime Law Enforcement, Marine Pollution Response and Maritime Search and Rescue areas where both organisations shared significant operational responsibilities owing to their large Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and heavy maritime traffic. Joint activities strengthened interoperability in handling incidents related to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, piracy, trafficking, maritime accidents and environmental hazards. A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) was organised to further enhance operational cohesion, communication procedures, and seamanship coordination between the two services.

The current visit also included courtesy calls, ship visits, yoga and sports activities and professional exchanges at maritime training establishments. These interactions help to strengthen people-to-people ties and build camaraderie among personnel, an essential foundation for effective operational cooperation. India and Indonesia, both leading maritime democracies, are committed to upholding a Rules-Based International Order (RBIO) in the Indo-Pacific. Cooperative Coast Guard engagement plays a vital role in translating this principle into practical action through routine maritime enforcement, joint response mechanisms and coordinated surveillance of strategic sea lanes.

A major pillar of India-Indonesia maritime partnership is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ICG and BAKAMLA in July 2020. This landmark agreement institutionalised a structured framework for operational engagement, strengthening collaboration in maritime law enforcement, coordinated patrols, Search and Rescue, marine pollution response, information sharing and capacity building. Since its conclusion, the MoU has enabled sustained interaction between the two agencies, facilitating the exchange of best practices, professional training, and improved interoperability during joint maritime operations.

Over the years, ICG and BAKAMLA have built a robust tradition of cooperation characterised by regular high-level visits, bilateral training exchanges, coordinated patrols and collaboration through ASEAN-led and Indo-Pacific maritime initiatives. Indonesia regularly participates in capacity-building programmes and specialised courses offered by the ICG, while ICG ships visiting Indonesian ports have facilitated practical training and cross-deck interactions. The presence of ICGS Vigraha in Jakarta signals India’s continued commitment to cooperative maritime security and its readiness to support partners in strengthening their maritime capabilities and preparedness.

On completion of the Jakarta leg, ICGS Vigraha set sail to Port Klang, Malaysia, continuing its operational deployment to ASEAN countries. The deployment aims to enhance regional engagement, strengthen collaborative response mechanisms, and contribute to peace, stability, and good order at sea across the Indo-Pacific.