New Delhi: A high level meeting of Indian and Japanese Coast Guard officials was held in New Delhi to focus on augmenting the operational level interaction and capacity building areas in Search and Rescuue, Pollution Response and Maritime Law Enforcement, Newer areas of cooperation, chemical spills response and training on specialised field of Indian Coast Guard operation.

The Indian side was led by Indian Coast Guard Director General K Natarajan, who is hosting the seven member Japanese delegation led by Admiral Takahiro Okushima, Commandant, Japan Coast Guard.

This meeting and four-day visit which began on January 14 is in continuation of the efforts by the Governments of the two countries to enhance cooperation between the two Coast Guards in the field of combating transnational maritime crime enhancing national security.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen the mutual cooperation and sharing of best management practices and continuation of personnel exchange.