Indo-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)

Latest Exercise: The Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy conducted the 36th edition of the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) in December 2023. Along with the Indo-Thai CORPAT, the maiden Bilateral Maritime Exercise between the Indian Navy (IN) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) was also conducted.

The Indo-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) is a maritime exercise carried out by the navies of India and Thailand. It is a bi-annual coordinated patrol conducted since 2005. It aims to reinforce maritime linkages between the two countries and ensure the safety and security of the international trade route in the Indian Ocean.

This article will give facts about the Indo-Thai CORPAT within the context of the IAS Exam.

Get the list of Indian Army Exercises in the linked article.

CORPAT:- Download PDF Here

Facts about Indo-Thai CORPAT

• The Indo-Thai CORPAT is part of the Indian Government’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) where the Indian Navy lends assistance to allied nations in the Indian Ocean with regard to Disaster relief, Humanitarian Assistance and other capacity building activities.
• CORAT is also carried to ensure effective implementation of the United Nations Conventions on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• To reinforce maritime links, the two navies of India and Thailand have been carrying out CORPAT along their International Maritime Boundary Line twice a year since 2005, with the aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade.
• CORPAT between India and Thailand is carried out twice a year.
• In addition, the CORPAT ensures an exchange of information pertaining to the prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration and in the conduct of search and rescue operations at sea, thereby enhancing the operational capabilities.
• CORPAT also builds up the understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitates institution of measures to prevent and suppress illegal fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy.

Brief details about India-Thailand Relations

The continued bilateral defence collaboration between India and Thailand was acknowledged during the 8th India-Thailand Defence Dialogue, which took place in Bangkok, Thailand.

• Thailand and India are cooperating in various multilateral forums like India’s dialogue partnership with ASEAN, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the East Asia Summit
• India is a member of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) initiated by Thailand in 2002 and of the Mekong–Ganga Cooperation (MGC), a group of six countries.
• Both the countries agreed to pursue Infrastructure development corridors on the lines of India-Myanmar-Thailand highway project.
• In addition, New Delhi and Bangkok agreed to take up an Indo-Thai exchange programme to enhance economic, scientific, educational, technical and cultural ties.
• Both countries also agreed to pursue defence industry collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The leaders also welcomed the deepening of cooperation through the Joint Working Group on Security Cooperation.

In total, seven pacts were signed between the two countries.

Other Military Exercises between India and Thailand

Along with Navy, the Army and Air Force of both countries also conduct annual exercises:

• Exercise MAITREE (Army).
• Exercise SIAM BHARAT (Air Force).

To learn more about India-Thailand Relations, check the linked article.

Aspirants can find complete information about upcoming Government Exams through the linked article. More exam-related preparation materials will be found through the links given below

Related Links