Indo-Thai CORPAT | 16 Jun 2021

Why in News

Recently, the 31st edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy was conducted in the Andaman sea close to the Strait of Malacca.

Key Points

  • Naval Exercise:
    • India and Thailand have been carrying out CORPAT along their International Maritime Boundary Line twice a year since 2005.
    • Indian Naval Ship (INS) Saryu, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel and Thailand’s Ship HTMS-Krabi, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, along with Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies participated in the CORPAT 31st edition.
  • Aims:
    • To keep part of the Indian Ocean safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade.
    • To ensure effective implementation of the United Nations Conventions on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS).
      • UNCLOS specify regulations regarding protection and conservation of natural resources, conservation of marine environment, prevention and suppression of illegal, unregulated fishing activity, drug trafficking, piracy, exchange of information in prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration and conduct of search and rescue operations at sea.
  • In line with India’s SAGAR Vision:
    • As part of Indian Government’s vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), the Indian Navy has been involved in assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Surveillance, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and other capacity building and capability-enhancement activities, on their request.
  • Other Military Exercises between India and Thailand:

Source: PIB