In a significant display of growing maritime cooperation between India and the United Arab Emirates, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Shoor has docked in Abu Dhabi for a week-long participation in two major defence exhibitions.
The advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel arrived on February 15 to join the Naval Defence Exhibition & Conference (NAVDEX 2025) and International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025), running through February 21.
The visit serves multiple strategic objectives, beyond showcasing India’s maritime capabilities, it advances the country’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, aimed at fostering maritime safety and economic development across the region.
Commanding Officer DIG Dushyant Kumar highlighted the visit’s technical achievements, noting successful demonstrations of the ship’s remotely operated life Buoy system to UAE Navy representatives. “These interactions allow us to share expertise while learning from our counterparts’ operational strategies,” Kumar said.
The delegation is conducting extensive meetings with UAE maritime agencies, focusing on strengthening coordination in areas including search and rescue operations, environmental protection, and anti-piracy measures.
This goodwill visit of ICGS shoor comes at a time of expanding defence relationships between India and the UAE, reflecting both nations’ commitment to regional maritime security. The ICGS Shoor’s presence at these prestigious defence exhibitions signals India’s growing influence in international maritime affairs and its dedication to fostering strategic partnerships in the region. The vessel will remain in Abu Dhabi through February 21, continuing bilateral exchanges and participating in exhibition events.ICGS Shoor is a state-of-the-art Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) indigenously built by Goa Shipyard Limited.