In a historic move, the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) recently conducted their maiden Bilateral Maritime Exercise from December 20 to 23, 2023. The exercise saw the participation of indigenously built Indian Naval ships, INS Kulish and IN LCU 56, alongside His Thai Majesty’s Ship HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan from the RTN.
The event also marked the 36th edition of the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT), showcasing the commitment of both nations to regional maritime security. Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies engaged in the Sea Phase, elevating the exercise’s complexity.
Named “Ex-Ayutthaya,” the bilateral exercise signifies ‘The Invincible One’ or ‘Undefeatable.’ This choice highlights the deep-rooted historical ties between Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand, emphasizing shared legacies and cultural narratives spanning centuries.
The successful execution of Ex-Ayutthaya underscores the growing bilateral relations, strengthening operational synergy, and enhancing interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy. This collaborative effort aligns with India’s vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and sets a positive tone for future engagements in the Indian Ocean Region.