Head Coast guards of India and Japan decided to conduct certain kinds of critical joint military navy exercises. This exercise included the Japanese ship Ehigo and four Indian Coast Guard ships. The coast guards practised capturing a stolen ship and rescuing the crew in a coordinated operation. They also demonstrated search and rescue procedures. Following a 2006 agreement between the nations’ coast guards, it was carried out. Other highlights of the drill were the deployment of Indian Coast Guard helicopters from a Japanese Coast Guard ship and vice versa, cross deck landings, pirate vessel obstruction, cross boarding, SAR presentation, and external firefighting.

What is Sahyog Kaijin?

Under an agreement between both countries in 2006, Sahyog Kaijin is the significant military exchange between Japan and India. This program involves training Indian and Japanese coast guard troops on the Chennai coast. 

The association of the coast guards of India and Japan started in 1999 when a pirated ship was caught for the first time in maritime history. 

Significance and Aim of This Exercise

• The Sahyog Kaijin exercise is critical for the countries in the Indian Ocean region to combat piracy. Furthermore, as members of the Quad grouping, both countries must refresh their abilities, learn from one another, and keep connected to facilitate maritime operations.  
• The goal of the exercise is to improve mutual understanding between the coast guards of India and Japan.
• It also intends to improve communication, search and rescue processes, and best practice sharing interoperability.
• This also aids in the fight against human trafficking, piracy, and other criminal activities that occur in the Indian Ocean and its surroundings. 
• The aim of Strengthening both countries’ bilateral ties showcases the importance of the India-Japan joint exercise for coast guards.

What Happened During This Exercise?

The practice included hijacking a merchant’s vessel with its effective rescue in a cooperative coast guard action involving both countries’ coast guards. Other highlights of the drill were the operation of Indian Coast Guard helicopters from a Japanese Coast Guard ship and vice versa, cross deck landings, pirate vessel interdiction, SAR demonstration, cross boarding, and external firefighting. Furthermore, the coast guard ships and aircraft displayed their capabilities before the Japanese officials. The drill came to a close with spectacular steam and flew past by the ships, with the crews of the participating units saluting the DGICG and Vice Commandant JCG. 

How is Sahyog-Kaijin Conducted?

The coast guards of India and Japan had an engagement with two military organisations, which assured that the workout programme was well-organised and well-implemented.

Below given is the exercise module that shows how it is carried out:

• The Japanese Coast Guard Patrol Ship Echigo, with a 60-person crew, will participate in this programme. The Asian member, India, dispatches four ICG ships with their planes. India also participates in the exchange programme with a vessel from NIOT, the National Institute of Ocean Technology. 
• The exercise, dubbed Sahyog-Kaijin, is a 2006 agreement between the Indian and Japanese coast guards. This activity continues with personnel from both sides gathering on one nation’s vessels to practise the exercise together.
• It also includes military leaders’ addresses and everyday sporting events both countries organise. The activity promotes peaceful relations between the two countries at various levels.

Conclusion

Overall, we understood the Sahyog-Kaijin operation between India and Japan, why it was conducted, and how it was carried out. Knowing its nature and goals aids in gaining a thorough grasp of the two countries’ total military activity. Additionally, maintaining a positive relationship will aid the coast guards of India and Japan in ensuring a safer Indian Ocean. It will also make it easier for them to manage all transport and rescue activities. Moreover, this is a vital military effort because it assures that both countries’ training methods and talents are up to date.