Indian Coast Guard Ship "Samarth" Visits Malaysia Thursday

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samarth is scheduled to enter Malaysia's Port Klang on Thursday for a three-day visit to enhance cooperation between India Coast Guard (ICG) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Indian High Commission said in a statement here Wednesday. The visit also aims to identify areas of mutual interest, including in the fields of Pollution response, Maritime Search and Rescue (MSAR) and other maritime law enforcement activities. According to the High Commission, Samarth, the first in the series of 105 metres Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), is a newly commissioned ship of the Indian Coast Guard. 'Samarth' meaning "Capable" is a projection of Indian Coast Guard's will and commitment to "serve and protect" the maritime interest of the nation, the statement said. The ship is designed and built in India by M/s Goa Shipyard Ltd and is fitted with the most advanced navigation and communication equipment, sensors and state-of-the-art technology. It is also capable of carrying one helicopter and has five high speed boats. Commanded by Deputy Inspector General Anand Prakash Badola, the ship will dock at Port Klang until Sunday as part of its overseas deployment programme, which includes visits to Asia Pacific countries - the Philippines, Japan and Singapore. --BERNAMA