Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sachet, an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), entered Zanzibar, Tanzania on Monday, marking another milestone in the naval force’s overseas deployment to Africa.

The visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation and fostering regional partnerships under the Government of India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

During its stay in Zanzibar, ICGS Sachet will engage with Tanzanian People’s Defence Force and Maritime Agencies through a series of professional interactions aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas such as Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), Marine Pollution Response (MPR), and Maritime Law Enforcement.

These engagements are focused on capacity building, sharing of best practices, and exploration of avenues for future collaboration between the maritime forces of both nations. The visit also showcases India’s shipbuilding capabilities, supporting the concept of “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

As part of community outreach initiatives, the crew of ICGS Sachet will participate in a Walkathon and Beach Clean-up Drive organised under the Government of India’s “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan”. The activity aims to raise awareness regarding marine pollution and promote environmental conservation through joint participation of local youth and community organisations in Zanzibar.

To promote cultural exchange and wellness, a joint yoga session was conducted by ICGS Sachet on Tuesday. Continuing its efforts and to strengthen people-to-people connect, a Community Support Programme is also planned wherein the ship’s crew will conduct outreach and welfare activities in coordination with local institutions. The ship will also be open to visitors, including members of the Tanzanian Defence Forces, students, and the Indian community based in Zanzibar, offering them guided tours to familiarise themselves with the capabilities and technological features of ICGS Sachet.

‘’The visit of ICGS Sachet to Zanzibar is a testament to India’s growing maritime engagement in the Western Indian Ocean Region. It highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to regional cooperation, maritime safety, and environmental stewardship, further promoting peace, goodwill, and friendship between India and Tanzania, in line with the shared vision of prosperity and security in the region,’’ a press release said. The Statesman