Indian and Japan Coast Guards conducted a joint HNS response drill in Mumbai, boosting maritime safety, pollution response, and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
India–Japan Coast Guards Conduct Joint 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, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation. The exercise reinforced the shared commitment of India and Japan to maritime safety, environmental protection, and the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
This engagement highlighted the growing operational coordination, interoperability, and trust between the two coast guards, especially in handling complex maritime pollution and chemical emergency scenarios.
High-Level Engagement and Courtesy Meeting
As part of the visit, Yoshio Seguchi, Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard, led a high-level delegation to the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (West) in Mumbai. He held a courtesy meeting with Bhisham Sharma, Inspector General and Commander of Coast Guard Region (West).
During the interaction, both sides stressed the importance of:
- Enhancing maritime safety and security
- Strengthening environmental protection mechanisms
- Improving disaster response and pollution control preparedness
The meeting reflected the shared strategic outlook of India and Japan in ensuring safe, secure, and sustainable seas.
Joint Training Onboard ICGS Samudra Prahari
The centre-piece of the engagement was a specialised joint HNS response exercise conducted onboard the Indian Coast Guard’s dedicated pollution response vessel, ICGS Samudra Prahari.
The drill brought together:
- The Indian Coast Guard Pollution Response Strike Team
- The Japan Coast Guard National Strike Team, which travelled from Japan specifically for this exercise
The training showcased coordinated response mechanisms to maritime chemical incidents, including containment, mitigation, and recovery operations in case of hazardous substance spills at sea.
Planning, Rehearsals, and Operational Demonstration
Before the sea exercise, detailed planning sessions, rehearsals, and classroom interactions were organised in Mumbai. These sessions focused on:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- International response protocols for HNS incidents
- Best practices in maritime chemical spill management
A joint demonstration of HNS response procedures was later conducted onboard Samudra Prahari. The demonstration was reviewed by the Japan Coast Guard Commandant and the Indian Coast Guard Regional Commander, underlining:
- Shared operational understanding
- Harmonised response techniques
- Strong professional synergy between the two forces
Key Takeaways and Importance for Exams
- HNS (Hazardous and Noxious Substances) are chemical substances that pose serious risks to life, the marine environment, and coastal infrastructure.
- ICGS Samudra Prahari is a specialised Indian Coast Guard vessel designed for pollution response and environmental protection.
- National Strike Teams are highly trained units deployed for rapid response to marine pollution and chemical emergencies.
- India–Japan maritime cooperation supports regional stability and the concept of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Shipbuilding and Industrial Cooperation
Beyond operational training, the Japanese delegation also visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. The visit provided insights into India’s growing shipbuilding and defence manufacturing capabilities.
This interaction reflected the broader scope of India–Japan cooperation, extending beyond exercises to include:
- Defence-industrial collaboration
- Technological exchange
- Long-term maritime capability development
Conclusion
The joint HNS response drill in Mumbai stands as a practical demonstration of deepening India–Japan maritime ties. By enhancing preparedness against chemical and environmental threats at sea, both coast guards have reinforced their role as responsible maritime forces in the Indo-Pacific. The engagement not only improved technical capabilities but also strengthened strategic trust, contributing to safer and cleaner oceans in the region.
