India, Thailand Navies Discuss Enhanced Cooperation Amid Thai Chief’s Visit
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd April. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar met with his Thai counterpart Admiral Adoong Paan-Iam to discuss ways to strengthen Navy-to-Navy cooperation. The meeting took place on Monday.
The two leaders also talked about the current situation in the Indian Ocean region, focusing on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They emphasized the importance of working together to maintain peace, stability, and maritime security.
Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, is visiting India from April 1-3.
According to a post by the Indian Navy Spokesperson, Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam and Admiral R Hari Kumar discussed enhancing Navy cooperation in operations, training, and other related issues. They also talked about the current situation in the Indian Ocean region, specifically the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and the need for collaborative efforts to ensure peace, stability, and maritime security.
The Ministry of Defence press release stated that the discussions between Admiral R Hari Kumar and Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam focused on mutual cooperation in the maritime domain, training exchange programs, and information sharing.
During his visit, Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam paid his respects at the National War Memorial and received a Guard of Honour from the Indian Navy at the South Block.
The visit is a testament to the strong relationship and friendship between the Indian and Thai navies, as per the Ministry of External Affairs.
Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam is also scheduled to meet with the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, Defence Secretary, and the National Maritime Security Coordinator to further enhance defense cooperation between the two countries.
He will also meet with officials from Indian Defense Industries and the Department of Defense Production in New Delhi to explore opportunities for shipbuilding, maintenance, and repairs.
India and Thailand have been conducting Coordinated Patrols biannually since 2005 and held their first bilateral exercise, Ex-Ayutthaya, in December 2023. The two navies are active members of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
