ICGS Saksham makes port call in Madagascar
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Saksham made a port call at Antsiranana, Madagascar on March 18, 2025 as part of its overseas deployment to friendly countries in the Indian Ocean Region.
During the visit, ICGS Saksham's crew will engage with the Madagascar Coast Guard in joint training sessions and knowledge exchange programs focused on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement.
The schedule includes cross-deck training, cultural engagements and friendly sporting events, further strengthening the camaraderie between the two maritime forces.
"ICG personnel will also conduct specialised training on Marine MPR, focusing on handling oil spills, chemical spills and marine pollution incidents to enhance Madagascar’s preparedness for environmental emergencies," read a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.
Additionally, 10 NCC cadets and 10 Assam Rifles personnel onboard the ship will participate in beach clean-up drives and awareness programs in collaboration with local youth organisations as part of the ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’, reinforcing the importance of marine conservation.
ICGS Saksham's visit to Madagascar aligns with India’s broader maritime vision, ‘SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region’, emphasising regional stability, security, and sustainability.
The deployment reflects India's proactive engagement with Indian Ocean nations, highlights its shipbuilding capabilities under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, and fosters stronger diplomatic & security ties.
India-Madagascar Relationship
Madagascar is not only the world’s fourth largest island but also the largest and most populous island in the South Western Indian Ocean.
India’s links with Madagascar date back to 18th century.
The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed steady increase in the number of Indian origin people arriving in Madagascar.
About 17,500 persons of Indian origin, mostly from Gujarat, currently live in Madagascar.
India opened a Consulate General in Antananarivo in 1954 which was upgraded to an Embassy in 1960 when Madagascar gained its independence.
The then President of Madagascar Didier Ratsiraka visited India in 1980 and 1983.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
Related Articles
4C formula building is key to tackling emerging peacekeeping challenges: Singh to Chiefs of UN troop contributing countries
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said an enhanced Consultation, Cooperation, Coordination & Capacity Building - a 4C formula - is a guiding principle for the countries contributing towards United Nations peacekeeping to tackle emerging challenges and ensure global peace.
India to provide free e-visas to Mongolian citizens: Modi
Narendra Modi met Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa on Tuesday for a delegation-level talk when the Indian PM announced to provide free e-visas to Mongolian citizens.
Bihar Assembly polls: BJP unveils first list of 71 candidates
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday unveiled the names of 71 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls.
Durgapur gangrape horror: Police take five accused to crime spot for reconstruction
All five accused in the Durgapur medical student gangrape case were taken to the crime spot on Tuesday for the reconstruction of the events, media reports said.
Latest News
Southwest Monsoon withdraws from Northeast India, IMD predicts dry spell ahead
Philippines, China 'clash' in South China Sea, US condemns Beijing
4C formula building is key to tackling emerging peacekeeping challenges: Singh to Chiefs of UN troop contributing countries
India to provide free e-visas to Mongolian citizens: Modi
