The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Shoor, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, arrived in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on 15 February 2025 as part of a goodwill visit scheduled from 15 to 21 February. This visit underscores the strong maritime cooperation between India and the UAE while aligning with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy, which focuses on regional stability, maritime security, and economic growth.
ICGS Shoor’s visit highlights the strategic importance of the Gulf region for India’s maritime interests and enhances operational collaboration between the Indian Coast Guard and the UAE National Coast Guard (UAE NCG). Throughout the visit, both agencies will engage in professional exchanges covering Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), Maritime Pollution Response (MPR), and Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE). These interactions aim to strengthen regional maritime security, improve interoperability, and foster a collective response to emerging challenges.
A significant aspect of the visit is ICGS Shoor’s participation in the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX-2025) and the Naval Defence Exhibition & Conference (NAVDEX-2025) at Port Zayed, Abu Dhabi. As a premier global defense event, IDEX/NAVDEX provides India with a platform to showcase its maritime prowess, advanced defense technologies, and commitment to global maritime security. India’s engagement in these events reinforces its role as a responsible maritime power dedicated to ensuring regional stability.
Additionally, 15 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets on board as part of the Puneet Sagar Abhiyan initiative will conduct outreach programs aimed at raising awareness about marine pollution and promoting cleaner oceans. Their activities emphasize India’s dedication to environmental sustainability and further strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties between India and the UAE.
Following its port call in Abu Dhabi, ICGS Shoor is set to visit Muscat, Oman, on 25 February 2025, further solidifying India’s maritime partnerships in the Gulf region.
The deployment of ICGS Shoor reaffirms India’s steadfast commitment to maritime security, environmental conservation, and cooperative engagement in the Gulf and beyond. As India continues to expand its maritime influence, the Indian Coast Guard remains dedicated to safeguarding national interests, ensuring freedom of navigation, and fostering strategic partnerships in pursuit of a secure, open, and inclusive maritime domain.
