32nd Edition of Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)

Context

Recently, the 32nd edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy was conducted.

Key-Points

• India and Thailand have been carrying out CORPAT along their International Maritime Boundary Line twice a year since 2005.
• Indian Naval Ship (INS) Karmuk, an indigenously built Missile Corvette and His Majesty’s Thailand Ship (HTMS) Tayanchon, a Khamrosin Class Anti-submarine Patrol Craft, along with Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies participated in the CORPAT.
• The exercise is aimed towards reinforcing maritime links between the two countries and keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean safe and secure for international trade.
• It 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 exchange of information for the prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration and conduct of search and rescue (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.
• This has been through bilateral and multilateral exercises, Coordinated Patrols, Joint EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) Surveillance, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

Other Military Exercises between India and Thailand

• Exercise MAITREE (Army)
• Exercise SIAM BHARAT (Air Force)