Indian Coast Guard ship in Australia to boost maritime security ties

MELBOURNE: An Indian Coast Guard patrol ship today arrived in Darwin on a five-day visit to boost maritime security cooperation with Australia, days after the two countries agreed to enhance security cooperation.

Coast Guard Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) Sankalp reached Darwin harbour where it was welcomed by top officials.

The ship is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated navigational and communication sensors and equipment.

It is designed to carry one twin engine helicopter and five high speed boats for Search and Rescue, maritime law enforcement, EEZ surveillance, high speed interdiction and marine pollution response missions.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia last month, the two countries established a framework for bilateral security cooperation as they stepped up their defence collaboration for advancing regional peace and combating terrorism among other challenges.

The framework will be implemented according to an action plan which calls for regular defence ministers' meeting, annual defence policy talks, service to service engagement including regular high-level visits, annual staff talks, joint training and regular exercises and regular bilateral maritime exercises.