The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) held their 14th High-Level Meeting in Incheon, South Korea, on October 14, 2026, to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation and improve operational coordination.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the meeting reviewed existing cooperation frameworks and identified areas for deeper collaboration between the two maritime security agencies.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across several maritime safety and security priorities, including:
- Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR): Improving coordination during emergencies at sea.
- Marine Pollution Response (MPR): Enhancing preparedness for marine pollution incidents.
- Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE): Strengthening cooperation on maritime law enforcement.
- Capacity building: Supporting professional development and institutional cooperation.
- Operational coordination: Improving information exchange and coordination between the agencies.
Both Coast Guards reaffirmed their commitment to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
They agreed to strengthen professional exchanges, joint training exercises, bilateral ship visits and real-time information sharing.
These activities are intended to improve coordination and strengthen the agencies’ ability to respond to maritime challenges.
The Indian Coast Guard delegation is visiting South Korea from October 13 to 16, 2026.
The Indian delegation is led by Inspector General T. Sashi Kumar, while the Korean delegation is headed by Senior Superintendent General Im Myeong Gil.
The meeting reaffirmed both agencies’ commitment to building operational synergy and supporting a safe, secure and environmentally sustainable maritime environment.
Cooperation between maritime security agencies can strengthen emergency response, improve information exchange and support efforts to protect the marine environment. Regular meetings, joint training and professional exchanges also provide a framework for maintaining coordination between India and South Korea.
