31st edition of “Indo-Thai CORPAT” commenced

What is the News?

India and Thailand have commenced the 31st edition of Indo-Thai CORPAT Exercise.

About Indo-Thai CORPAT:

• India and Thailand have been carrying out the Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) exercises along their International Maritime Boundary Line twice a year since 2005.
• Aim:
  • 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).
• Participation: Indian Naval Ship(INS) Saryu, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel will be participating in the exercise from the Indian Side.

Significance of this exercise:

• As part of the Government of India’s vision of ‘Sagar’ (Security And Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has been engaging with the countries in the Indian Ocean Region towards enhancing regional maritime security. This has been done through
  • Bilateral and multilateral exercises
  • Coordinated Patrols(CORPAT)
  • Joint EEZ Surveillance
  • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

Other Exercises between India and Thailand:

• Exercise Maitree- It is a bilateral military exercise between India and Thailand.
• SIAM BHARAT: It is a joint Air Force exercise between India and Thailand.
• Exercise SITMEX: It is a trilateral exercise involving the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Royal Thailand Navy(RTN) and Indian Navy(IN).

Source: India Today