In a significant advancement for maritime safety in one of India’s strategically crucial regions, the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC) collaborated with the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (A&N) to conduct extensive Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) workshops and mock drills at Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 9 in Diglipur and No. 10 in Campbell Bay.
The event gathered senior officers and operational personnel from multiple Indian Coast Guard units, aiming to enhance preparedness and inter-agency coordination in response to maritime emergencies. At the coastal facility in Diglipur, uniformed personnel participated in the M-SAR workshop, reaffirming their commitment to the Coast Guard’s motto, “वयम् रक्षामः” (We Protect), emphasizing their dedication to safeguarding the maritime environment.
During the mock drills, Coast Guard vessels traversed the turquoise waters of the archipelago to simulate high-stress rescue scenarios. A smaller inflatable craft, guided by team members donned in yellow life jackets, operated alongside a larger vessel—designated “भारतीय तटरक्षक” (Indian Coast Guard), hull number C-416—practicing quick and coordinated responses to emergencies.
In a subsequent session aboard a Coast Guard ship, trainees received instruction on life-saving techniques and the effective use of rescue equipment. Officers highlighted the critical importance of maintaining operational readiness for distress calls amid the often turbulent maritime conditions of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands function as a vital maritime outpost for India, positioned near significant international sea routes and increasingly under scrutiny due to rising Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean. Recent initiatives, including the redeployment of ICG ships Rajtarang and Rajkiran to Diglipur and Campbell Bay slated for April 2024, have markedly improved the Indian Coast Guard’s operational reach and rapid response capabilities.
These workshops align with national efforts to transform the island chain into a hub for maritime, startup, and digital connectivity. Under a development plan worth Rs 10,000 crore that began in 2015, initiatives such as Digital India are being rolled out to extend essential services to remote regions, with the Island Development Agency actively overseeing and promoting progress.
As India’s sole tri-services command, the ANC plays an essential role in integrated maritime defense and security. The day’s workshop highlighted the collaborative determination of the armed forces to protect the fragile ecosystem of the region, secure national borders, uphold maritime law, and enhance the capabilities of personnel engaged in life-saving missions across this strategically significant maritime frontier.
