35th Edition of Indo-Thai CORPAT
- 12 May 2023
From 3 to 10 May 2023, the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy successfully conducted the 35th edition of the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Andaman Sea.
- Participants: The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari, an indigenously built Landing Ship Tank (Large), and His Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Saiburi, a Chao Phraya Class Frigate, along with Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies took part in the CORPAT.
- Objectives of Indo-Thai CORPAT: The CORPAT aims to strengthen maritime linkages between India and Thailand and ensure the safety and security of the Indian Ocean for international trade.
- Since 2005, the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy have been conducting CORPAT bi-annually to enhance understanding, interoperability, and cooperation between the two navies.
- The patrol helps in preventing and suppressing unlawful activities such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, piracy, armed robbery, smuggling, illegal immigration, and enables Search and Rescue (SAR) operations at sea.
- SAGAR Vision: The Indian Navy's participation in the Indo-Thai CORPAT is in line with the Government of India's vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), which aims to enhance regional maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
- The Indian Navy actively engages with countries in the region through bilateral and multilateral exercises, Coordinated Patrols, Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Surveillance, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
- Strong Bonds between India and Thailand: The Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy have a close and friendly relationship that has strengthened over the years.