Article Posted on : - Jan 27, 2012

CHENNAI (PTI): The Coast Guards of India and Japan will hold a joint exercise on January 29.

"The XIth (11th) edition of this exercise termed SAHYOG KAIJIN aims to strengthen the working relationship between the two coast guards and further refine joint operating procedures," a release from Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said Thursday.

"The highlight of the exercise encompasses the scenarios of hijacking of a merchant vessel and its subsequent rescue in a combined Coast Guard operation".

Operation of ICG helicopters from JCG ship and vice-versa and transferring of mail by helicopter from an ICG ship to JCG ship were the other important features of the exercise, the release said.

ICG Director General, Vice-Admiral MP Muralidharan and Commandant, JCG, will witness the exercise.