35th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT)

India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) is a bi-annual naval exercise conducted to strengthen maritime connections between India and Thailand. Indo-Thai CORPAT 2023 are discussed below.

Table of Contents

Indo-Thai CORPAT: India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) is a bi-annual naval exercise conducted to strengthen maritime connections between India and Thailand. Indo-Thai CORPAT 2023 is also important for UPSC Prelims Exam 2023 and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 2-International Relations, Bilateral Relations between India and Thailand).

Indo-Thai CORPAT 2023 in News

Recently, the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy carried out the 35th edition of the Indo-Thai CORPAT (India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol).

Indo-Thai CORPAT 2023 Details

During the Indo-Thai CORPAT held from May 3 to May 10, 2023, the Indian Navy’s INS Kesari, which is a domestically produced Landing Ship Tank (Large), and the Royal Thai Navy’s HTMS Saiburi, a frigate from the Chao Phraya class, participated in the exercise. Additionally, Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies were also involved in patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Andaman Sea.

Background: The Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy have been conducting CORPAT twice a year along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) since 2005.
Mandate: The objective of the bi-annual Indo-Thai CORPAT is to strengthen maritime connections between India and Thailand and ensure the safety and security of international trade in this crucial part of the Indian Ocean.

Indo-Thai CORPAT 2023 Significance

The CORPAT plays a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and interoperability between the two navies, while also enabling the implementation of measures to prevent and combat unlawful activities such as piracy, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The Indo-Thai CORPAT exercise also promotes the sharing of information to prevent illegal immigration and smuggling, and to conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations effectively in the maritime domain.
The 35th Indo-Thai CORPAT signifies the Indian Navy’s continuous efforts to strengthen interoperability and foster amicable relations between India and Thailand.

India’s SAGAR Vision

The Indian Navy has been actively pursuing the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) through its engagement with the countries in the Indian Ocean Region to enhance regional maritime security.

This has been accomplished through various initiatives such as bilateral and multilateral exercises, Coordinated Patrols, Joint EEZ Surveillance, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Over the years, the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy have developed a close and amicable relationship through various activities and interactions, which have helped strengthen the bond between the two navies.

Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2022

Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2022

FAQs

What is Indo-Thai CORPAT?

Indo-Thai CORPAT is a bi-annual coordinated patrol conducted by the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Andaman Sea since 2005.

What is the purpose of Indo-Thai CORPAT?

The main purpose of Indo-Thai CORPAT is to build understanding and interoperability between the navies of India and Thailand, and to prevent and suppress unlawful activities like illegal fishing, drug trafficking, piracy, and armed robbery. It also helps in exchanging information for the prevention of smuggling, and illegal immigration and for the conduct of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations at sea.

When was the 35th Indo-Thai CORPAT conducted?

The 35th Indo-Thai CORPAT was conducted from 03 – 10 May 2023.

Which ships and aircraft were involved in the 35th Indo-Thai CORPAT?

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari, an indigenously built LST (L) and His Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Saiburi, a Chao Phraya Class Frigate, along with Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies participated in the 35th Indo-Thai CORPAT.