Indo-Thai Coordinated patrol ends in Andamans

Port Blair, Apr 8: The fourth cycle of Indo-Thai naval coordinated patrol has concluded in Andaman and Nicobar islands after six days of extensive patrolling across the two country's International Maritime Boundary line, official said today.

India have been participating in coordinated patrol since many years with friendly neighbouring countries in Bay of Bengal near Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are India's one of the most strategically important defence base.

Geographically located close to Myanmar and Thailand, the cluster of 572 small and big islands is prone to threats like poaching and piracy.

"During the coordinated patrol, mutual understanding and inter-operability between the two Navies was enhanced," of Andaman and Nicobar Command official spokesperson Commander Anil Kumar Mr Kumar said that these patrols have been playing important role in preventing smuggling, piracy, illegal fishing and other prohibited activities in respective areas of interest, of both the countries.

Earlier, yesterday the Thailand Naval ship HTMS Khamronsin and a Dornier Aircraft (MPA) had arrived in Port Blair for the concluding part.

After arriving at Port Blair, Captain Chakrit Pimtong, Staff Officer 3rd Area Naval Command, along with the Commanding Officer of the participating ship, called on Rear Admiral, PK Nair, the Chief of Staff of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC).

"During the meeting various issues related to the conduct of coordinated patrol were discussed," Kumar added.

UNI