Maiden Indian Navy – Royal Thai Navy Bilateral Exercise and 36th Edition of Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol

*New Delhi, January 15, 2024* — The inaugural Bilateral Maritime Exercise between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) took place from December 20 to 23, 2023. Indian Naval ships Kulish and IN LCU 56, both indigenously built, participated in the exercise alongside His Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Prachuap Khiri Khan from the RTN. Concurrently, the 36th edition of the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) was conducted, featuring Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies during the Sea Phase.

The introduction of this Bilateral Exercise signifies a collaborative effort by both navies to strengthen operational synergy and progressively increase exercise complexity. During the maiden edition, participating units from both navies engaged in surface and anti-air exercises, including weapon firing, seamanship evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres.

Aligned with the Government of India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has been actively engaging with countries in the Indian Ocean Region to enhance regional maritime security. The longstanding and friendly relationship between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy has witnessed growth over the years. The maiden IN-RTN Bilateral Exercise, coupled with Indo-Thai CORPAT, underscores the growing bilateral relations between the two maritime neighbours and contributes to enhancing interoperability.

The Indo-Thai Bilateral Exercise is named ‘Ex-Ayutthaya,’ translating to ‘The Invincible One’ or ‘Undefeatable.’ The name symbolizes the historical significance of two of the oldest cities, Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand, reflecting rich cultural ties and shared historical narratives dating back several centuries.