Sea Defenders-2024:
The United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Bertholf ship reached Port Blair ahead of the ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ joint exercise.
- Sea Defenders-2024 is a joint exercise between the Indian Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard.
- Location: Off the coast of Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- The two-day exercise will focus on maritime piracy and asymmetric threats, including simulated drone attacks on commercial merchant traffic, joint maritime search and rescue operations, major firefighting, marine pollution response, and counter-drug interdiction exercises.
- The event will also witness a simulated medical evacuation to enhance readiness in emergency situations.
- Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is an armed force that protects India’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
- The ICG, working in coordination with other Union agencies, institutions and authorities, safeguards the maritime interests and security of India, assists vessels and fisherman in distress and protects the maritime environment.
- It was formally established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978, as an independent Armed force of India.
- It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
