New Delhi: In a significant step towards bolstering the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Indonesia, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the Indian Coast Guard and Indonesia Coast Guard (BAKAMLA RI) on July 6 towards enhancing collaborative and cooperative engagements in the domains of maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue and marine pollution response.

This is likely to entail exchange of information towards combating transnational maritime crimes, facilitation of coordinated search and rescue operations at sea and conduct of capacity and capability building activities.

Since conceptualisation and exchange of first draft, the MoU was progressed for signing in a short time frame which is indicative of the significance both countries attach to cooperation in the maritime domain.

In view of the global travel restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic, the signing of MoU was undertaken through Video Conference.

K Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard and Vice Admiral Aan Kurnia, Head of BAKAMLA RI signed the MoU in presence of Pradeep Kumar Rawat, Ambassador of India to Indonesia and Mochammad Rizki Safary, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Indonesia in India and officials from Ministry of Defence and External affairs.

The implementation of this MoU will go a long way in enhancing bilateral maritime cooperation between the two nations for ensuring safe, secure and clean seas in the region.