Sri Vijaya Puram, April 21: Senior police officers from multiple states, Union Territories and central armed forces have joined a specialised maritime security training programme in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marking the first such inter-state participation at the local police training institute.
The five-day programme on “Maritime Security and Coastal Policing” began on April 20, 2026, at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Police Training Institute (NSCBPTI) in Sri Vijaya Puram. The initiative brings together officers from Meghalaya, Punjab, Gujarat, Assam and Andhra Pradesh, along with representatives from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Border Security Force (BSF).
The training was inaugurated by Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, Director General of Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in the presence of Geeta Rani Verma, Inspector General of Police (Training). The programme marks a first for the institute, which is hosting officers from outside the islands for a structured training course.
The sessions are scheduled to run until April 24 and aim to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of maritime security challenges, coastal policing strategies and applicable maritime laws. The curriculum includes expert lectures, interactive discussions and field-based demonstrations.
Participants will also undergo practical exposure through coastal patrolling exercises and underwater operational activities at North Bay. These components are designed to familiarise officers with real-time scenarios in maritime environments.
The programme is being conducted under the supervision of Uma Shankar, Principal of NSCBPTI. Officials indicated that the training focuses on strengthening coordination, intelligence sharing and operational preparedness among agencies responsible for coastal security.
The initiative reflects efforts to enhance capabilities in managing coastal threats, which have grown in complexity in recent years. The participation of officers from different regions and forces is expected to contribute to a more coordinated national approach to maritime security.
The opening session concluded with a vote of thanks by A. Koan, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Training), acknowledging the participation of officers and contributions to the programme.
The training programme is positioned as part of a broader effort to build capacity in coastal policing and improve preparedness across jurisdictions involved in maritime security operations.
