Japan Coast Guard Ship ‘Itsukushima’ Arrived Chennai For Bilateral Engagements

The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Ship Itsukushima arrived at Chennai Port today as part of its Global Ocean Voyage Training. The visit highlights the deep and enduring bond between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard, reaffirming their strategic partnership in the vital Indo-Pacific region and enhancing interoperability between the two esteemed maritime forces.

On arrival, Itsukushima, commanded by Captain Naoki Mizoguchi, was accorded a warm ceremonial welcome in traditional Indian style. The visit is led by Vice Admiral Hiroaki Kanosue, Vice Commandant (Operations), Japan Coast Guard. During its week-long port call in Chennai, the crew of Itsukushima will participate in a series of professional and cultural activities, including official courtesy calls, reciprocal ship visits, and joint training and interaction sessions aimed at fostering mutual cooperation and understanding.

As part of official engagements, the JCG delegation will call on Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, Director General, Indian Coast Guard. Bilateral discussions are also scheduled between the JCG representatives and Additional Director General Donny Michael, PTM, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Eastern Seaboard.

A series of professional and cultural exchanges including a joint Yoga session and sports activities are planned, culminating on 12 Jul 2025. Following the Chennai visit, Itsukushima will proceed to Singapore, during which a joint sea exercise named Exercise Jaa Mata (meaning "see you later") will be conducted with the ICG. This exercise will focus on enhancing coordination and operational synergy at sea. Furthermore, four officers from ICG will embark on board Itsukushima as Sea Riders, further strengthening camaraderie and professional exchange between the two forces.

The visit underscores the strong and evolving partnership between the ICG and JCG, rooted in the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed in 2006 and endorsed by both nations. This 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 (IPOI).

This port call marks yet another significant milestone in advancing maritime diplomacy, enhancing operational synergy, and deepening mutual trust and friendship between the two maritime agencies.

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