Defence cooperation between India and Thailand comprises regular joint exercises and maritime patrols
Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam, embarked on a significant three-day official visit to India from April 1 to April 3, 2024. This visit marked an important moment in the ongoing efforts to fortify the naval relationships between Thailand and India. 
 
In New Delhi, Admiral Pan-Iam engaged in substantive discussions with his Indian counterpart, Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff. The talks focused on enhancing mutual cooperation in the maritime domain, exploring avenues for training exchanges, and broadening the scope of information sharing.
 
The visit commenced with Admiral Pan-Iam laying a ceremonial wreath at the National War Memorial, paying tribute to the valour of soldiers. The Royal Thai Navy chief was also accorded a Guard of Honour by the Indian Navy at the South Block.
 
High-Level Engagements and Defence Dialogues
 
Admiral Pan-Iam's agenda included meetings with key figures in the Indian defence establishment, such as the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Defence Secretary, and National Maritime Security Coordinator. These interactions aimed at deepening defence cooperation and understanding strategic perspectives and regional security concerns.
 
A significant feature of this visit was the discussions with representatives from the Indian defence industry and the Department of Defence Production. These meetings explored collaborative opportunities in shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair. Furthermore, an interactive session with the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau was anticipated to delve into current trends in shipbuilding, paving the way for future joint projects and technical advancements.
 
Bilateral Naval Exercises and Regional Cooperation
 
Thailand, which shares a common maritime boundary with India, has a strategic geographical location in Southeast Asia. 
 
Defence cooperation between India and Thailand comprises regular joint exercises and maritime patrols near the international maritime boundary to counter terrorism, piracy and smuggling; training of officers at each other’s Armed Forces Training institutions, service staff talks and exchange of visits at various levels. 
 
The visit underscored the strong naval cooperation exemplified by the regular Coordinated Patrols and the inaugural IN-RTN Bilateral Exercise, Ex-Ayutthaya, conducted in December 2023. The participation of the Royal Thai Navy Ship HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan in the MILAN 24 exercise in Visakhapatnam in February 2024 further reinforced the naval partnership. 
 
Both navies' active involvement in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) reflects their commitment to regional maritime security and stability.
 
Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam's visit to India is a testament to the enduring friendship and strong bilateral relations between the Royal Thai Navy and the Indian Navy. It signifies a mutual desire to enhance maritime cooperation, ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.