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Indian Coast Guard's Kuwait Mission: How Sarthak's Maiden Voyage Strengthens Ties

The Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarthak just wrapped up a significant five-day goodwill visit to Kuwait. This maiden overseas deployment featured a joint naval exercise to boost operational coordination between the two nations. Beyond military drills, the visit fostered community ties with onboard events and celebrated cultural connections like Diwali. It marks a clear step forward in the strategic partnership focused on regional security and prosperity.

Key Points: ICGS Sarthak Concludes Goodwill Visit and PASSEX with Kuwait Navy

  • ICGS Sarthak conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Kuwait Navy Ship KNS Al Garoh to boost interoperability
  • The indigenously-built ship hosted a reception for Indian community members and Kuwaiti dignitaries
  • Crew engagements at the Kuwait Naval Base aimed to strengthen professional ties between the two forces
  • The visit celebrated Diwali's UNESCO inscription and featured community yoga on the ship's deck
2 min read

Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarthak wraps up goodwill visit to Kuwait

Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarthak wraps up its maiden overseas deployment to Kuwait, enhancing maritime interoperability and bilateral defence cooperation through joint exercises.

"The interaction reaffirmed the strong momentum in India–Kuwait defence cooperation and our shared commitment to regional security. - Indian Embassy in Kuwait"

Kuwait City, Dec 13

Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarthak concluded its goodwill visit to Kuwait on Saturday after participating in the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Kuwait Navy Ship KNS Al Garoh, underscoring the growing maritime cooperation between the two countries.

According to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, the exercise helped enhance India-Kuwait maritime interoperability and mutual understanding towards undertaking joint operations in the region and beyond.

The indigenously designed and built Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the ICGS Sarthak was on its maiden overseas deployment and wrapped up a five-day visit.

On Thursday, a reception was hosted onboard ICGS Sarthak, which brought together prominent members of the Indian community, Kuwaiti dignitaries, diplomats and friends of India.

Addressing the gathering, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Paramita Tripathi highlighted the growing bilateral cooperation between the two nations under the India-Kuwait Strategic Partnership and emphasised the shared priority of regional peace and prosperity.

ICGS Sarthak was decked up with colourful lights to celebrate the inscription of Diwali in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

As part of its port call, the crew of ICGS Sarthak also visited the Kuwait Naval Base and engaged with counterparts, strengthening professional ties between the Indian Coast Guard and the Kuwait Navy. The officers and crew of ICGS Sarthak were given a guided tour of the naval base and briefed on missions, tasks and operational roles of the Kuwait Navy.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ambassador Tripathi, along with Commanding Officer of ICGS Sarthak, Thiam Newton and Defence Attaché, Sarabjeet Singh, met Commander of the Kuwait Navy, Saif Alhamlan, at the Mohammed Al-Ahmad Naval Base

"The interaction reaffirmed the strong momentum in India–Kuwait defence cooperation and our shared commitment to regional security. Further avenues of bilateral engagement, including joint exercises, training, and exchange of visits, were also discussed," Indian Embassy in Kuwait posted on X.

During the goodwill visit, groups of school children visited the ICGS Sarthak, and they were given a tour of the ship to understand the vessel’s operational capabilities and its critical role in safeguarding India’s maritime frontiers.

Additionally, members of the Indian community performed Yoga on the deck of the ship, reflecting the universal message of wellness and harmony central to India’s cultural heritage.

ICGS Sarthak arrived at Kuwait's Shuwaikh Port on Tuesday to a rousing welcome by the cheerful school children carrying the Indian tricolour.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The part about school children visiting the ship is wonderful. Such exposure builds curiosity and respect for our armed forces from a young age. A smart way to foster future interest in maritime careers.
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Priya S
Yoga on the deck and the Diwali lights! 🪔 Love how these visits also showcase our soft power and culture. It's not just about military drills, but building people-to-people connections. Well done to the crew and embassy.
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Rohit P
Strategic partnerships in the Gulf are crucial for our energy security and regional stability. These naval exercises with Kuwait are a step in the right direction. Hope to see more such collaborations.
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Aman W
While this is positive news, I do hope such engagements translate into tangible economic benefits for India, especially for our large diaspora working in Kuwait. Defence ties should also open doors for trade and investment.
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Kavya N
The Indian community performing Yoga on the ship deck is such a powerful image. It represents peace and wellness, which is the message we should be sending alongside our military strength. Proud of our Coast Guard!

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