ICGS Varaha is the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) newly commissioned offshore patrol vessel. Recently concluded her maiden port call at Mombasa as part of deployment in Western Indian Ocean. Showcases India’s vision of security and growth for all in the Indo-Pacific (SAGAR)
Significance of Visit
- Strengthens bonds of bilateral friendship and cooperation between India and Kenya
- Bolsters interoperability for enhanced maritime domain awareness in Western Indian Ocean
- Supports shared vision for ensuring safe and lawful maritime environment
- Helps progress people-to-people connections and cultural linkages
Key Highlights of Visit
Professional Interactions
- ICG delegation held high-level parleys with Kenyan Coast Guard leadership
- Best practices discussions focused on maritime governance frameworks
- Explored collaboration avenues in marine environmental preservation
Operational Exercises
- ICGS Varaha undertook joint drills with Kenyan Navy on spatial techniques for maritime interdiction
- Also conducted aviation operational interaction with Kenyan air assets
- Exercises enhanced mutual understanding of procedures and tactics
Cultural Exchanges
- Port call included sundowner function, onboard receptions, and sports events
- Personnel from naval forces interacted for cultural integration and bonding
- Familiarisation events for exchange of professional ethos and practices
Boost to Capacity Building
- Memorial lecture held onboard by ICG leadership for benefit of Kenyan officers
- Covered elements of ocean economy and threats from illegal activities
- Provided exposure to Kenyan cadets aspiring to develop maritime acumen
| India’s Developmental Partnership with Kenya | Program Name | Focus Area |
| ITEC | Professional training in institutions across India | |
| IAFS | Customized special courses for Kenyan Armed Forces | |
| Special Scholarships | UG/PG scholarships in Indian universities | |
| LOC Fund | $100 million for agricultural mechanization projects |
The goodwill visit thus provided further fillip in fast-tracking meaningful collaboration through defense cooperation as a valued maritime partner.
Strategic Significance
For Kenya
- Access Indian technologies and investments in blue economy
- Support for augmenting coastal surveillance capabilities
For India
- Secure vital energy and trading routes by counter piracy/maritime crime cooperation
- Promote collective regional mechanisms for HADR response capabilities
The comprehensive engagement with Kenyan agencies bears testimony to the inclusive vision of SAGAR underpinning India’s maritime cooperation in the strategic Western Indian Ocean Region.
Significance of Visit
- Strengthens bonds of bilateral friendship and cooperation between India and Kenya
- Bolsters interoperability for enhanced maritime domain awareness in Western Indian Ocean
- Supports shared vision for ensuring safe and lawful maritime environment
- Helps progress people-to-people connections and cultural linkages
Key Highlights of Visit
Professional Interactions
- ICG delegation held high-level parleys with Kenyan Coast Guard leadership
- Best practices discussions focused on maritime governance frameworks
- Explored collaboration avenues in marine environmental preservation
Operational Exercises
- ICGS Varaha undertook joint drills with Kenyan Navy on spatial techniques for maritime interdiction
- Also conducted aviation operational interaction with Kenyan air assets
- Exercises enhanced mutual understanding of procedures and tactics
Cultural Exchanges
- Port call included sundowner function, onboard receptions, and sports events
- Personnel from naval forces interacted for cultural integration and bonding
- Familiarisation events for exchange of professional ethos and practices
Boost to Capacity Building
- Memorial lecture held onboard by ICG leadership for benefit of Kenyan officers
- Covered elements of ocean economy and threats from illegal activities
- Provided exposure to Kenyan cadets aspiring to develop maritime acumen
| India’s Developmental Partnership with Kenya | Program Name | Focus Area |
| ITEC | Professional training in institutions across India | |
| IAFS | Customized special courses for Kenyan Armed Forces | |
| Special Scholarships | UG/PG scholarships in Indian universities | |
| LOC Fund | $100 million for agricultural mechanization projects |
The goodwill visit thus provided further fillip in fast-tracking meaningful collaboration through defense cooperation as a valued maritime partner.
Strategic Significance
For Kenya
- Access Indian technologies and investments in blue economy
- Support for augmenting coastal surveillance capabilities
For India
- Secure vital energy and trading routes by counter piracy/maritime crime cooperation
Promote collective regional mechanisms for HADR response capabilities
Here are some additional facts about ICGS Varaha’s visit to Kenya.
ICGS Varaha Features
- Length of 97 meters, displacement of 2170 tons
- Maximum speed of 26 knots, endurance of 6000 nm
- Capable of operations like patrol, surveillance, and environmental protection
- Fitted with advanced navigation, communication systems
India-Kenya Defence Ties
- Conducted second edition of joint military exercise “Fireball-2023” in India
- Kenya one of largest recipients of Indian defence exports
- Joint Defence Working Group meetings institutionalized dialogue mechanism
- Pan Africa e-Network teleeducation project benefiting over 1000 Kenyans
Regional Maritime Profile
- Kenya has coastline of 536 km in East Africa
- Mombasa major port serving as transshipment hub
- Piracy incidents reduced through joint patrolling mechanisms
- Maritime zones hold vast off-shore oil and gas reserves
Blue Economy Cooperation
- Collaboration in marine spatial planning, seafarer training
- Knowledge sharing in areas like eco-tourism, waste management
- Scope for tie-ups in ship-building, port development
The comprehensive engagement with Kenyan agencies bears testimony to the inclusive vision of SAGAR underpinning India’s maritime cooperation in the strategic Western Indian Ocean Region.
