Naval ship sails back to India after completing Asian tour

Presence of Indian Coast Guard at Changi Naval base in Singapore symbolises a relationship of "great" trust and shared future, Indian envoy here said as an Indian Coast Guard Ship completed its two-month tour of Asia, and sailed home after completing a bilateral exercise.

Led by Deputy Inspector General A P Badola, the ship has visited Malaysia, the Philippines and Japan prior to Singapore.

DIG Badola hosted a reception for the Singapore coast guard, navy and members of the Indian diaspora.

India's High Commissioner Jawed Ashraf said the ICGS Samarth's and its crew's visit highlighted the ongoing defence cooperation between

India and Singapore.

"Presence of Indian Coast Guard at Changi Naval base symbolises a relationship of a great trust, mutual confidence, shared purpose and shared future between our two countries," he told some 200 guests onboard ICGS Samarth.

"On Sunday they are here on a very important visit to build a bridge of friendship and goodwill with one of our foremost partners in the world, which is Singapore," he said.

Ashraf emphasised the growing importance of joint exercises between India and Singapore as well as the region in keeping the sea lanes safe.

The High Commissioner praised Singapore's Navy and Coast Guard for its professionalism in maintaining marine safety and security in one of the most vital and sensitive sea lanes in the world and one of its most important ports.

He lauded Indian Coast Guard's outstanding professionalism and commitment in fulfilling its huge mandate of protecting 7,500 km of coastline, over 1,350 islands, 2 million sq km of EEZ.

With marine ecology and resources and handling search and rescue responsibilities of 4 million sq km.