Port Louis | January 17, 2026 — Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sankalp, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius on January 17, 2026, as part of its ongoing Overseas Deployment to Friendly Foreign Countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The visit reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, enhancing interoperability and deepening bilateral ties with Mauritius.
The deployment aligns with India’s maritime vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region, which seeks to promote maritime safety, regional security, and environmental protection across the Indian Ocean.
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation under SAGAR Vision
The port call underscores India’s role as a reliable maritime partner in the region. It reflects the Indian Coast Guard’s proactive engagement in capacity building, information sharing, and operational coordination with partner nations.
Highlighting India’s commitment to gender inclusivity in maritime operations, two women officers are embarked onboard ICGS Sankalp, showcasing the expanding role of women in the Indian Coast Guard and reinforcing India’s commitment to women empowerment in the maritime domain.
Joint Training and Professional Engagements
During its stay at Port Louis, the ship will engage in a comprehensive programme of professional interactions with the National Coast Guard of Mauritius and other maritime agencies. These engagements aim to strengthen cooperation and share operational best practices.
Planned activities include:
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Sea and harbour drills
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Oil pollution response exercises
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Damage control and NBCD (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defence) exercises
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Firefighting drills
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Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) joint training
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Navigation bridge and Machinery Control Room (MCR) integration drills
These exercises are designed to enhance operational coordination, preparedness, and interoperability between the two maritime forces.
People-to-People Connect and Community Outreach
Beyond operational engagements, the port call will feature:
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Friendly sports fixtures
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Cultural exchanges
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Community service activities
These initiatives are aimed at fostering camaraderie, goodwill, and stronger people-to-people ties between India and Mauritius. The visit will also serve as a platform to showcase India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, supporting the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Continuing Maritime Outreach in the Indian Ocean
The visit of ICGS Sankalp reinforces India’s commitment to maritime safety, security, capacity building and environmental protection in the Indian Ocean Region. It also highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s growing role in regional cooperation.
Following the completion of its visit to Mauritius, ICGS Sankalp will sail for Seychelles, continuing its overseas deployment and further strengthening India’s maritime engagement with key island nations in the region.
Conclusion
The port call of ICGS Sankalp at Port Louis stands as a strong symbol of India’s enduring partnership with Mauritius and its broader commitment to peace, security, cooperation, and collective growth in the Indian Ocean Region under the SAGAR framework.
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Source: PIB
