India, Thailand agree to enhance naval cooperation

During talks by visiting Indian Navy chief Admiral R K <g data-gr-id="36">Dhowan</g>, the two nations explored more avenues to further strengthen <g data-gr-id="41">relationship</g> in accordance with India’s “Act East Policy”.

<g data-gr-id="37">Dhowan</g> on Thursday held <g data-gr-id="39">wide ranging</g> talks with his Thai counterpart Admiral Khamthorn <g data-gr-id="38">Pumhiran</g> on sharing of data and information on shipping, training and on giving more content to Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT).

India-Thailand defence cooperation includes regular joint exercises, training of officers at each other’s armed forces training institutions and exchange visits at various levels.

India and Thailand share a maritime boundary in the Andaman Sea. The navy-to-navy cooperation is the leading component of the defence cooperation between the two countries.

Indian navy regularly interacts with Royal Thailand Navy through navy-to-navy staff talks. The Thai also side referred to cooperation on humanitarian assistance to sea migrants and anti-piracy, sources said.

<g data-gr-id="43">Dhowan</g> who is on a two-nation tour of Singapore and Thailand, on Friday met the Thai Permanent Secretary of Defence, Gen Sirachai <g data-gr-id="44">Distakul</g>. General Sirachai had led a 13-member delegation to India in March to examine possible cooperation in defence production, research and sourcing.

Both navies also interact in multilateral fora such as Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS), MILAN held biennially at Port Blair.

Indian Navy and Thai Navy conduct Coordinated Patrolling (CORPAT) across International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year. Exchange of best practices and experiences and cooperation in Meteorology / Tsunami warning is another area where both navies cooperate. India’s relationship with Thailand has evolved into a comprehensive partnership.

India’s ‘Act East’ policy has been complemented by Thailand’s ‘Look West’ policy and has assisted in bringing the two countries together.