The Indian Coast Guard Ship SACHET arrives at the port of Mombasa, Kenya, as part of a goodwill visit on September 17, 2025The ship made the port call in Kenya as part of a goodwill visit aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and regional safety and security.
The vessel was received by Captain V Shirdikant, the Defence
Attaché of India to Kenya, who welcomed the crew and led the Indian delegation.
The Indian High Commission said the port call between
Wednesday, September 17, and Sunday, September 21, is also part of the ship’s deployment
to three African countries.
“The visit of ICGS Sachet to Mombasa reflects the close and cordial ties between India and Kenya as maritime neighbours.
During the
port call, personnel from both Coast Guards will engage in a series of
professional interactions, ship visits, and friendly sports exchanges, all
aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation and understanding,” the High Commission
said in a statement.
On its part, the Kenya Coast Guard Service said the visit
sets the stage for joint exercises and professional exchanges, fostering
greater interoperability and mutual understanding.
“The Kenya Coast Guard Service welcomes Indian Coast Guard
Ship ICGS Sachet to Mombasa. The visit strengthens Kenya–India maritime
cooperation through professional exchanges, ship visits, and joint exercises,
enhancing regional safety and security,” it said.
ICGS Sachet is the first in the series of five
105-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) built by M/s Goa Shipyard Limited.
The vessel is equipped with advanced systems and
machinery, including facilities for operating Advanced Light Helicopters,
Pollution Response equipment, and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety
System.
“These capabilities make it an ideal platform for
executing the wide range of missions entrusted to the Indian Coast Guard in
India’s Search and Rescue Region,” the statement added.
As part of its stay in Mombasa, a deck reception will
be held on board ICGS Sachet on Thursday with Kenya Coast Guard Service
director general Bruno Shioso as the Chief Guest.
The ship will be open to Mombasa residents for visits
on Sunday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
“ICGS Sachet will also join Kenya Coast Guard Service
Ship MV Doria in a passage exercise, further strengthening maritime cooperation
between the two nations,” the mission said.
The ship will then proceed to Cape Town, South Africa.
Kenya and India have in recent years intensified defence
cooperation and high-level exchanges.
Last year India and Kenya's naval forces undertook joint
training to bolster maritime security and strengthen coordination.
The activities will be undertaken during the visit of Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff of India Vice Admiral Sanjay
Mahindru in June.
In May 2023, Defence Adviser of India to Kenya Captain
Velagada Shirdikant met Deputy Commander Kenya Navy Brigadier Yahya Abdi at the
Kenya Navy Headquarters in Mtongwe, Mombasa, where they discussed potential
areas of collaboration between the Kenya Navy and the Indian Navy to promote
bilateral and military cooperation.
During the State visit of PM Narendra Modi to Kenya on July 10-11, 2016, seven MoUs, including in defence, were signed and the PM handed over 30 field ambulances for use by the Kenya Defence Forces.
