Indo-Thai joint patrol concludes in Andamans

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

India has been under taking coordinated patrols with friendly neighbouring countries in the Bay of Bengal near Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is one of the country's 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,'' Andaman and Nicobar Command official spokesperson Commander Anil Kumar said.

Mr Kumar said these patrols have been playing an important role in preventing smuggling, piracy, illegal fishing and other prohibited activities in respective areas of interest, of both the countries.

The Thailand Naval ship HTMS Khamronsin and a Dornier Aircraft (MPA) had yesterday 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