Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT) are essential naval exercises that serve to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Navy and its international counterparts. Focusing on maritime security, these exercises are a testament to India’s commitment to securing its strategic maritime boundaries and fostering good relations with neighboring navies. The 31st edition of the India-Thailand CORPAT, conducted with the Royal Thai Navy, highlights the ongoing efforts towards this goal.
Understanding CORPAT
Coordinated Patrols, commonly known as CORPAT, are joint naval exercises aimed at bolstering maritime cooperation among participating countries. These operations focus on enhancing mutual understanding and interoperability between navies, ensuring effective maritime law enforcement, and promoting regional security. The Indian Navy regularly conducts CORPATs with various countries to secure its vast maritime borders and to strengthen ties with fellow maritime nations.
Participating Navies in CORPAT
India has been actively engaging in CORPAT with multiple countries, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Thailand. Each iteration of the exercise sees the involvement of different vessels and personnel from the Indian Navy and the participating nation’s navy. The collaborative nature of these patrols allows for shared surveillance and monitoring of the critical sea lanes of communication, which are vital for international trade and maritime security.
The 31st India-Thailand CORPAT
The 31st edition of the India-Thailand CORPAT took place from June 1st to June 11th, 2021. This particular exercise saw the participation of the Indian Navy’s indigenously built naval offshore patrol vessel INS Saryu and the Royal Thai Navy’s HTMS Krabi. Both ships were deployed with the mission of conducting joint patrols along the international maritime boundary line, demonstrating the commitment of both nations to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Vessels Involved in the Exercise
The INS Saryu, an integral part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, is designed for ocean surveillance and surface warfare operations to prevent infiltration and transgression of maritime borders. The HTMS Krabi, on the other hand, is a modified River-class patrol vessel serving the Royal Thai Navy. Both these advanced vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, making them suitable for a wide range of maritime activities, including coordinated patrols.
Objectives of the Bi-annual Naval Exercise
The primary objective of the India-Thailand CORPAT is to reinforce maritime relations between the two countries while also ensuring the security of the Indian Ocean region. The exercise is bi-annual, emphasizing regular interaction and familiarity between the navies. It includes the exchange of best practices and the development of common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.
Enhancing Maritime Relations and Security
The CORPAT exercises are more than just a demonstration of naval strength; they are pivotal in fostering an environment of trust and cooperation. By working together, India and its partner nations can effectively combat maritime threats such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing. These exercises also contribute to the overall stability and security of the Indian Ocean, which is crucial for the economic well-being of the region and beyond.
In summary, the CORPAT exercises, such as the 31st edition with Thailand, play a significant role in advancing maritime cooperation and enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy and its allies. Through these joint patrols, India continues to showcase its dedication to maintaining a secure and stable maritime environment in collaboration with its neighboring countries.
