Indian Navy Begins Coordinated Patrol With Thai Counterpart To Boost Interoperability And Prevent Unlawful Maritime Activities

The 31st edition of the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy is being conducted from 9 to 11 June 2021.

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Saryu, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel and His Majesty’s Thailand Ship (HTMS) Krabi, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies are participating in the CORPAT.

Towards reinforcing maritime links between the two countries and securing international trade in this vital part of the Indian Ocean, the two navies have been undertaking CORPAT bi-annually along their International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) 2005.

“The 31st Indo-Thai CORPAT will contribute towards Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate interoperability and forge strong bonds of friendship with the Royal Thai Navy,” the Ministry of Defence said.

“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,” the statement added.

CORPAT builds up understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitates the institution of measures to prevent and suppress unlawful activities like Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy. It further helps enhance the operational synergy by exchanging information for the prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration, and SAR operations at sea.

As part of the Government of India’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 through bilateral and multilateral exercises, Coordinated Patrols, Joint EEZ Surveillance, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.