♦ The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) conducted a joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) response drill in Mumbai on 18 January 2026, reaffirming their strong maritime partnership and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. As part of the engagement, Japan Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Yoshio Seguchi, along with a high-level delegation, visited the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (West). During the meeting, both sides underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation and interoperability.

♦ The exercise brought together the ICG Pollution Response Strike Team and the JCG National Strike Team (NST), which arrived from Japan to participate in the drills.