Article:
In recent news, the 32nd edition of the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) saw the participation of the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy. This highlights an ongoing partnership between the two countries focused on maintaining security and promoting international trade in a critical area of the Indian Ocean. This article delves into the details behind this crucial naval exercise.
Key Elements of the Indo-Thai CORPAT
The Indo-Thai CORPAT is a naval exercise coordinated between India and Thailand along their International Maritime Boundary Line. The tradition, which began in 2005, is conducted twice annually. The most recent edition of this exercise involved the 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. Both navies’ Maritime Patrol Aircraft also participated in the coordinated patrol.
The Objectives of the Exercise
The primary objective of the CORPAT is to strengthen the maritime links between India and Thailand. Doing so helps ensure that a significant section of the Indian Ocean remains safe and secure, thereby promoting international trade.
This exercise also introduces measures to ward off unlawful activities that can disrupt the peace and safety of the region. These include Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery, and piracy.
Adding another layer to its significance, the CORPAT aids in the enhancement of operational synergy between the two nations. This is achieved by facilitating the exchange of information necessary for preventing smuggling and illegal immigration, as well as conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea.
Alignment with India’s SAGAR Vision
The execution of the Indo-Thai CORPAT resonates well with the Government of India’s SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) vision. Under this policy, the Indian Navy is proactive in its engagement with countries within the Indian Ocean Region. The aim is to enhance regional maritime security through various means.
These include 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
The Indo-Thai CORPAT forms part of a larger set of coordinated military exercises between India and Thailand. These include Exercise MAITREE, involving the Army, and Exercise SIAM BHARAT, involving the Air Force. Both exercises reinforce the commitment of the two nations towards maintaining peace and strengthening ties.
To conclude, the Indo-Thai CORPAT serves as an important part of the security apparatus between India and Thailand. It not only enhances the capabilities of the two navies but also contributes to maintaining security and enabling growth in the region. Despite challenges, this exercise continues to be steadfast in promoting cooperation and coordination within the Indian Ocean Region.
Source: PIB
