The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), consisting of INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera, successfully completed its visit to Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand. This visit strengthens naval cooperation and strategic engagement between India and Thailand, furthering maritime security efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Highlights of Visit
1. Strengthening Maritime Cooperation
Joint Naval Exercises:
- Indian Navy’s 1TS and the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) HTMS Huahin conducted coordinated tactical manoeuvres.
- Exchange of sea riders enhanced interoperability and seamless collaboration.
2. Knowledge Exchange & Training
Indian Navy trainees visited key Thai naval facilities, including:
- 3rd Naval Area Command
- Phangna Naval Port
- HTMS Krabi
These interactions provided insights into naval operations, best practices, and training methodologies, strengthening professional ties between the two navies.
3. Expanding Future Naval Engagements
Indian and Thai naval officers discussed joint training initiatives, including:
- Coordinated anti-piracy operations
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) drills
- Expanded naval cooperation in regional security
4. Maritime Security within SAGAR Framework
The visit aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, emphasizing:
- Regional maritime security
- Strategic partnerships for economic growth
- Defense diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific
Strategic Significance
- Reinforces India-Thailand naval cooperation and strengthens operational coordination.
- Bolsters defense diplomacy, ensuring a stable and secure maritime environment.
- Enhances interoperability, paving the way for joint naval exercises and future collaborations.
- India and Thailand’s long-standing maritime partnership continues to evolve, with joint naval engagements playing a critical role in maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region.