India and Japan Strengthen Maritime Ties in High-Level Meeting
The 22nd High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) took place on January 14, 2026, in New Delhi, underscoring the robust maritime partnership between the two nations. Co-chaired by Director General Paramesh Sivamani of the Indian Coast Guard and Admiral Yoshio Saguchi, Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard, this meeting is significant as Admiral Saguchi leads a nine-member delegation visiting India from January 13 to 17, 2026.
This high-level dialogue offered both organizations a platform to discuss ways to bolster their existing frameworks for collaboration. Areas of focus included improving operations in Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), and building capacities. Emphasis was placed on the sharing of best practices and enhancing interoperability, while continuing structured engagement under the current Memorandum of Cooperation between the two coast guards.
Collaboration on Emerging Maritime Issues
The discussions extended to emerging areas, highlighting the importance of technology, effective information sharing, training initiatives, and personnel exchanges. Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the last high-level meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining regular interactions at multiple levels.
The conversation also centered around India’s current leadership of the Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) and its upcoming role in hosting the 5th CGGS, alongside the International Coast Guard Fleet Review (ICGFR). Both sides explored opportunities for increased engagement at multilateral maritime forums, with the JCG promising to participate in the ICGFR, reflecting the depth of their maritime cooperation.
Commitment to Regional Maritime Order
Additionally, the meeting revisited the India–Japan Joint Declaration issued in August 2025, which emphasizes both countries’ commitment to a free, open, and inclusive maritime order based on established rules. The role of both the ICG and JCG in realizing the strategic vision set forth in this declaration was a key theme during the discussions.
As part of their visit, the JCG delegation is scheduled to travel to Mumbai from January 16 to 17, 2026. While there, they will tour Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and engage in professional interactions to bolster maritime industrial and operational linkages. Additionally, a Japan Coast Guard National Strike Team (NST) will conduct a joint exercise with the ICG pollution response team, focusing on the management of Hazardous and Noxious Substances spills. This exercise aims to improve preparedness, operational coordination, and mutual understanding in tackling complex marine pollution scenarios.
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