Naval Chiefs of India and Philippines Sign SOP for White Shipping Information Exchange

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Admiral Artemio M Abu, Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, signed a significant Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the exchange of White Shipping Information. This momentous event took place on August 23, 2023, in New Delhi during the ongoing visit of Commandant Abu to India.

The signed SOP establishes a framework for the exchange of crucial white shipping information between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Indian Navy. This collaborative initiative aims to operationalize the sharing of merchant shipping traffic data, ultimately enhancing maritime safety and security in the region.

The exchange of white shipping information between these two maritime organizations is expected to strengthen regional cooperation and contribute to maintaining a secure and stable maritime environment. This strategic partnership highlights the commitment of both nations to promoting maritime security and ensuring the safety of merchant vessels navigating through their respective waters.