NEW DELHI: India and Thailand have now carried out a bilateral marine coordinated patrol (Corpat) in the Andaman Sea, following the first Asean-India naval drill in the tense South China Sea, which infuriated China to no end. From May 3 to May 10, the two navy stationed vessels and maritime patrol planes alongside the international maritime border in the Andaman Sea.

“Towards reinforcing bilateral maritime linkages and with an aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean safe, the Indian and Royal Thai navies have been undertaking this patrol bi-annually since 2005,” an officer said. 

The Corpat helps the implementation of policies to stop criminal activities like drug trafficking and illegal fishing by fostering understanding and military interoperability.  

“It also helps boost operational synergy by exchanging information for the prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration and for search and rescue operations,” the officer added.

As part of the government’s SAGAR programme, the Navy has been “proactively interacting” with nations in the Indian Ocean region to increase security (security and growth for all in the region)

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