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New Delhi: Indian and Thailand navies on Wednesday began their 31st edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT). The exercise is aimed at keeping the Indian Ocean safe and secure for international trade.
Being held at their international boundary line, the joint patrolling of the two forces will culminate on June 11.
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Saryu, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel and Thailand Ship (HTMS) Krabi, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, along with Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies are participating in the CORPAT.
“Towards reinforcing maritime links between the two countries and with an aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean safe and secure for international trade, the two navies have been undertaking CORPAT bi-annually along their International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) since 2005,” Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.
CORPAT builds up understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitates institution of measures to prevent and suppress unlawful activities like Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy, he said.
“It further helps enhance the operational synergy by exchange of information for prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration and for conduct of SAR operations at sea,” the spokesperson added.
As part of the government’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with the countries in the Indian Ocean Region towards enhancing regional maritime security.
The Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy have especially enjoyed a close and friendly relationship covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened over the years, he added.
