Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Varaha, an indigenously designed and built Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), completed a three-day port call at Mombasa, Kenya, from 26 to 29 October 2026, reinforcing maritime cooperation between India and Kenya during its overseas deployment to East Africa.
The visit highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening maritime security partnerships with the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) and deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the port call, the Commanding Officer of ICGS Varaha called on the Director General of the KCGS. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in maritime security, strengthening institutional ties and enhancing operational coordination between the two maritime agencies.
Professional interactions between the crews of ICGS Varaha and KCGS personnel covered key areas of maritime security, including Search and Rescue (SAR), marine pollution response and maritime law enforcement. The engagements featured demonstrations of firefighting and damage-control procedures, along with practical training in Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations.
These exchanges provided an opportunity to share operational expertise, strengthen professional capabilities and improve interoperability in responding to common maritime challenges across the region.
As part of its diplomatic and community outreach, ICGS Varaha also hosted guided tours for visitors, showcasing the vessel’s advanced systems, technological capabilities and operational preparedness. The engagement highlighted India’s indigenous shipbuilding expertise and its commitment to defence self-reliance under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
The port call reaffirmed India’s commitment to being a reliable maritime security partner for countries across the Global South. It also reflected the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which emphasises regional cooperation, maritime safety and shared prosperity.
Through sustained overseas deployments and professional exchanges, the Indian Coast Guard continues to strengthen mutual trust, enhance operational interoperability and promote a secure maritime environment across the Western Indian Ocean Region.
