Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Saksham made a port call at Antsiranana, Madagascar on March 18, 2025 as part of its overseas deployment to friendly countries in the Indian Ocean Region.

During the visit, ICGS Saksham's crew will engage with the Madagascar Coast Guard in joint training sessions and knowledge exchange programs focused on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement.

The schedule includes cross-deck training, cultural engagements and friendly sporting events, further strengthening the camaraderie between the two maritime forces.

"ICG personnel will also conduct specialised training on Marine MPR, focusing on handling oil spills, chemical spills and marine pollution incidents to enhance Madagascar’s preparedness for environmental emergencies," read a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.

Additionally, 10 NCC cadets and 10 Assam Rifles personnel onboard the ship will participate in beach clean-up drives and awareness programs in collaboration with local youth organisations as part of the ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’, reinforcing the importance of marine conservation.

ICGS Saksham's visit to Madagascar aligns with India’s broader maritime vision, ‘SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region’, emphasising regional stability, security, and sustainability.

The deployment reflects India's proactive engagement with Indian Ocean nations, highlights its shipbuilding capabilities under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, and fosters stronger diplomatic & security ties.

India-Madagascar Relationship

Madagascar is not only the world’s fourth largest island but also the largest and most populous island in the South Western Indian Ocean.

India’s links with Madagascar date back to 18th century.

The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed steady increase in the number of Indian origin people arriving in Madagascar.

About 17,500 persons of Indian origin, mostly from Gujarat, currently live in Madagascar.

India opened a Consulate General in Antananarivo in 1954 which was upgraded to an Embassy in 1960 when Madagascar gained its independence.

The then President of Madagascar Didier Ratsiraka visited India in 1980 and 1983.