The 31st edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy is being conducted from 9 – 11 June, India's Ministry of Defence (MOD) said.

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Saryu, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel, and His Majesty’s Thailand Ship (HTMS) Krabi, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, along with Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies are participating in the CORPAT.

 The exercise is towards reinforcing maritime links between the two countries and with an aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean safe and secure for international trade. The two navies have been undertaking CORPAT bi-annually along their International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) since 2005. 

As part 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 Surveillance, and humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

The Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy have especially enjoyed a close and friendly relationship covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened over the years, the MOD said in a statement. (SAM)