Updated By: LatestGKGS Desk
Coast Guards of India & Pakistan hold talks focusing on maritime boundary violations
Coast Guards of India & Pakistan hold talks in New Delhi- Details, Purpose, Background
India and Pakistan held the meeting of their coast guard officials (Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency) on 28th May in New Delhi.
India and Pakistan addressed issues pertaining to boundary violations by fishermen from both sides and enhancing cooperation in the area of maritime search and rescue and combating pollution at sea.
India-Pakistan coast guard maritime security agencies meeting was scheduled for October 2017, but was canceled amid tension between India and Pakistan following the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.
BACKGROUND
Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) had signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2005 for envisaging cooperation between ICG and PMSA.
The MoU was extended for five years in 2016. The MoU envisioned cooperation through exchange of information on Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) violations, marine pollution, apprehended vessels, natural disasters and calamities, combating smuggling, illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and piracy and coordination in search and rescue and return sea passage.
The MoU also established a communication link between coast guards of both countries which are operational.
Under provisions of MoU, directors general of PMSA and ICG meet periodically. This annual meeting is a significant link between coast guards of two neighboring countries for addressing issues pertaining to maritime security
