India–Vietnam Coast Guard Cooperation: A Step Towards Maritime Security and Environmental Sustainability

Introduction
On 20th August 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) held their sixth high-level meeting in Hanoi under the framework of the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Coast Guard Cooperation. The meeting highlighted growing maritime collaboration between India and Vietnam, focusing on maritime security, search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, pollution response, and capacity building.

Special emphasis was laid on transnational maritime crimes, including illegal fishing, trafficking, and smuggling. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to regular training programs, sharing of best practices, and ship visits, strengthening trust and operational synergy.

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Key Areas of Cooperation

1. Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR):

   • Coordinated operations for safety of life at sea.

   • Rapid response to regional emergencies.

2. Maritime Law Enforcement:

   • Combating illegal fishing, trafficking, and other maritime crimes.

   • Sharing intelligence and coordinated patrolling.

3. Marine Pollution Response:

   • Joint response to oil spills, chemical pollution, and marine waste.

   • Development of protocols for pollution control.

4. Capacity Building:

   • Training programs and best-practice exchanges.

   • Enhancing operational capabilities of coast guard personnel.

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Strategic Significance

• India’s Role in the Indo-Pacific:
  The cooperation strengthens maritime security, regional stability, and strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific.

• Environmental Sustainability:
  Joint pollution response ensures marine environmental protection.

• Institutional Cooperation:
  Regular dialogues, training, and ship visits enhance mutual trust and operational coordination.

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Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

Focus Area	GS Paper	UPSC Notes
International Relations	GS-II	India-Vietnam bilateral relations, Indo-Pacific strategy, maritime cooperation.
Maritime Security	GS-II	SAR operations, maritime law enforcement, combating trafficking and illegal fishing.
Environmental Sustainability	GS-III	Marine pollution control, joint maritime exercises, environmental governance.

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Previous UPSC Questions (Last 8 Years)

General Studies Paper II (IR & Security):

• 2019: “Discuss the significance of bilateral maritime exercises in enhancing India’s strategic partnerships.”

• 2021: “Examine the role of regional cooperation in ensuring maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.”

General Studies Paper III (Environment):

• 2018: “Evaluate the effectiveness of international agreements in combating transnational maritime crimes.”

• 2020: “Analyze the impact of joint maritime pollution response mechanisms on environmental sustainability.”

Prelims Sample Questions:

1. The 2015 MoU on Coast Guard Cooperation was signed between which countries?

   • A) India – Vietnam ✅

   • B) India – Indonesia

   • C) India – Singapore

   • D) India – Thailand

2. What does SAR operation refer to?

   • A) Maritime law enforcement

   • B) Search and Rescue ✅

   • C) Maritime trade control

   • D) Environmental survey

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Conclusion

The sixth high-level meeting between India and Vietnam Coast Guards is a significant step towards enhancing maritime security and environmental sustainability. For UPSC aspirants, this development is highly relevant for topics related to international security, environmental governance, and bilateral relations.

Tip: Always analyze such developments in terms of “India’s international role + strategic significance + environmental impact”, as these angles are commonly asked in Mains.