India – Thailand CORPAT Exercise begins

Why in News ?

India and Thailand started 31st edition of Coordinated Patrols or CORPAT, with the aim of reinforcing maritime links between two countries and to keep Indian Ocean safe and secure for international trade.

CORPAT Exercise

This is the first biannual exercise in which Saryu, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel called Saryu from Indian Navy and His Majesty’s Thailand Ship (HTMS) Krabi along with Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies are participating.

Significance of CORPAT

CORPAT biannual exercise builds up understanding and interoperability between both the navies. It facilitates institution of measures to prevent & suppress unlawful activities such as Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, maritime terrorism, drug trafficking, armed robbery and piracy. It also helps in enhancing operational synergy by exchanging information to prevent smuggling, illegal immigration and to conduct SAR operations at sea.