SEA DEFENDERS-2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Bertholf ship reached Port Blair ahead of the ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ joint exercise.

Sea Defenders-2024

• About: It stands as proof to the deepening strategic ties between the two nations and is a crucial step in enhancing maritime safety and promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Location: Off the coast of Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Focus of the Exercise: Maritime piracy and asymmetric threats, including simulated drone attacks, search and rescue operations, firefighting, pollution response, and counter-drug interdiction.
• Simulated Medical Evacuation: Enhancing readiness in emergency situations.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

• About: The Indian Coast Guard is a multi-mission organization, conducting round-the-year real-life operations at sea.
• Role: Protects India's maritime interests and enforces maritime law.
• Jurisdiction: Covers territorial waters, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone of India.
• Functions: Safeguards maritime interests, assists vessels in distress, and protects the maritime environment.
• History: Formally established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
• Nodal Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Defence.
• Administration: Headed by the Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGICG).
• Headquarters: Located in New Delhi.