CORPAT

CONTEXT:

Recently, the 30 edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) has been concluded in the Andaman Sea close to the Strait of Malacca.

BACKGROUND:

Naval Exercise:

India and Thailand have been carrying out CORPAT along their International Maritime Boundary Line twice a year since 2005.
Patrol Aircraft from both the navies participated in the 30th edition.

OBJECTIVES:

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).

IMPORTANT POINTS:

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Karmuk (an indigenously built Missile Corvette) and Thailand Frigate HTMS Kraburi, along with Dornier Maritime
CORPAT builds up the understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitates the institution of measures to prevent and suppress Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy.
It further enhances the operational synergy by the exchange of information for the prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration and for the conduct of SAR operations at sea.
As part of Indian Government’s vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), the Indian Navy has been involved in assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Surveillance, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and other capacity building and capability-enhancement activities, on their request.

Other Military Exercises between India and Thailand: