India and Thailand's Coordinated Patrol reply to China's Expansionism

South China Sea witnesses high level of political tension very frequently these days. China's strategic interest in South China Sea causes these worries for China's neighbours.

Completely ignoring the anxieties of the neighbours China has continued placing missiles on the disputed territory. Missiles on the disputed territory pose great risk to air operations in the South China Sea.

Many South East Asia nations thus have started aligning with India with an intention to protect their strategic interests.

India under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made sure that those nations who seek India's help are disappointed. India has started developing excellent maritime relations with South East Asia nations. One such nation is Thailand.

INS Karmuk in Thailand:

INS Karmuk, an indigenously built Missile Corvette based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command, along with a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, are participating in the 22nd Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT), scheduled from 19-27 Apr 16 in the Andaman Sea.

Maritime interaction with Thailand:

Maritime interaction between India and Thailand has 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 role of CORPAT:

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 22nd edition of the CORPAT would include participation of one warship and one Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both sides with the Closing Ceremony being held at Port Blair, Headquarters Andaman and Nicobar Command (HQANC) from 25th to 27th April.

Warm relation with Thailand:

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.