India–Vietnam Deepen Maritime Security Partnership with Stronger Coast Guard Cooperation
India and Vietnam are taking another step towards strengthening maritime security cooperation, with their Coast Guards expanding practical engagement across search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine pollution response and professional capacity building.
The seventh High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) provided a platform for both sides to review ongoing cooperation and identify areas for deeper operational coordination. The meeting was co-chaired by ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani and VCG Vice Commandant Major General Luong Dinh Hung.
The discussions highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation at sea. Both Coast Guards reviewed professional exchanges and ship visits and reaffirmed the value of training programmes, sharing best practices and regular institutional interactions to strengthen mutual trust and interoperability.
The cooperation carries significance beyond bilateral maritime engagement. India and Vietnam share important interests in maintaining safe, secure and sustainable maritime spaces. Effective coordination between their maritime forces can strengthen responses to emergencies, support maritime law enforcement and improve preparedness for marine pollution incidents.
A key element of the partnership is the ability to work together effectively during real-world situations. Regular exercises and professional exchanges help both forces develop greater familiarity with procedures, communication and operational practices.
The next phase of this engagement will move from dialogue to action through the India–Vietnam Coast Guard Joint Exercise SAHYOG-HOPTAC, scheduled to take place at sea. The exercise is expected to provide an opportunity to enhance operational coordination, strengthen interoperability and exchange practical experience.
The evolving Coast Guard relationship reflects the broader depth of India–Vietnam strategic cooperation. It demonstrates how maritime partnerships can translate diplomatic understanding into practical capabilities that contribute to regional security.
As maritime challenges become increasingly interconnected, cooperation built around trust, preparedness and shared responsibility will remain vital.
For India and Vietnam, stronger Coast Guard cooperation is therefore not simply about securing their waters—it is about contributing together to a safer, more secure and sustainable maritime region.
