Indo-Thai CORPAT, Coordinated Patrol held

The 30^th Indo-Thai CORPAT is being held between Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy from November 18, 2020 to November 20, 2020. INS Karmuk, HTMS Kraburi along with the Dornier maritime aircraft are to participate in the CORPAT. The countries have been holding CORPAT along the International Maritime Boundary Line twice a year since 2005.

Significance

CORPAT builds up interoperability between the participating navies. It facilitates the reduction of Illegal Unreported Unregulated fishing, maritime terrorism, drug trafficking, piracy and armed robbery. It also enhances operational synergy.

India-Thailand

Under SAGAR, the Indian Navy has been assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) surveillance and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Thailand is one of the beneficiaries of these initiatives.

International Maritime Boundary Line

It is a line drawn virtually over the Earth’s water surface to demarcate the boundaries between the countries. The lines are drawn according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The line applies only to international seas and oceans. It does not encompass lakes or river boundaries. They are considered within the land boundaries.

India-Thailand Exercises

India and Thailand are hold annual bilateral exercise MAITREE since 2006. SITMEX is India-Thailand Maritime Exercise. SIMBEX is the bilateral exercise held between India and Singapore.

India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway

The highway is under construction and will connect Moreh in India with Mae Sot in Thailand through Myanmar. India is implementing the project under its Act East Policy.

India-Thailand Maritime Connectivity

Under its Indo-Pacific strategy, India has signed Memorandum of Understanding to increase the connectivity between Ranong Port and Chennai port. The agreement was signed during 2019 BIMSTEC meet. This will reduce the travel time between India and Thailand from 10 to 15 days to 7 days.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2020