CHENNAI: An Australian Border Force (ABF) vessel for the first time visited India on Thursday in a bid to strengthen maritime ties with India.
The vessel ‘Ocean Shield’, which is on a three-day visit, arrived in Chennai in the morning and was given a warm welcome.
Ocean Shield reciprocates the visit by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sankalp to Australia in December 2014. In India, it will undertake operational activities with the Indian Navy and ICG to ensure safety and security across maritime domains, said Australian High Commissioner Harinder Sidhu.
“Australia values our strong relationship with India. This visit provides an important opportunity to strengthen our cooperation and address maritime security threats, including drugs and firearms trafficking, people smuggling, piracy and illegal fishing,” said ABF Commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg, who is accompanying Ocean Shield.
A friendly volleyball match between ICG and ABF will be held on May 19.