Navy missile corvette, maritime patrol aircraft for Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol

INS Karmuk, an indigenously built missile corvette and a Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, are participating in the ongoing 22nd Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT), from April 19-27 in the Andaman Sea.

A press release from the Ministry of Defence said here today that maritime interaction between India and Thailand had been growing steadily with frequent port visits, participation in multilateral exercises and training exchanges.

Under the broad ambit of this strong maritime relationship, the two navies have been carrying out CORPATs along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since 2005, with the aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade.

The CORPAT has also strengthened understanding and interoperability between the navies and facilitated institution of measures to prevent unlawful activities at sea as well as conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, the release said.

The 22nd edition of the CORPAT includes participation of one warship and one maritime patrol aircraft from both sides with the closing ceremony to be held at Port Blair, the headquarters of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (HQANC), from April 25-27. 

The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command, Vice-Admiral B K Verma and Rear Admiral Warongkorn Osathanonda, Commander, Phangnga Naval Base, 3rd Naval Area Command, of the Royal Thailand Navy will be the senior officers at the Closing Ceremony. 

"India and Thailand have traditionally enjoyed a close and friendly relationship covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened over the years. The 22nd edition of CORPAT would bolster the already strong bilateral relationship between the two nations and contribute significantly to enhancing maritime security in the region," the release added.

NNN