Indian Navy ships arrive in Thailand to enhance interoperability
Bangkok, June 27
Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet Ships, Udaygiri, Shakti and Kavaratti on Saturday arrived at Sattahip in Thailand to enhance interoperability and strengthen professional cooperation.
"Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet Ships Udaygiri, Shakti and Kavaratti, led by RAdm Alok Ananda, FOCEF, arrived at Sattahip, Thailand," the Indian Navy wrote on X.
"The visit aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen professional cooperation and promote greater understanding with the Royal Thai Navy through a series of operational interactions, sporting engagements and community outreach activities," it added.
According to the Indian Navy, the port call reflects India's commitment to its Act East policy, Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) and reinforces cooperative maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
The visit aims to strengthen maritime partnerships with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026.
The Eastern Fleet also visited Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, earlier this week.
Udaygiri and Kavaratti arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday on a port call to foster professional exchanges and further strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Vietnam.
"Indian Navy ships INS Udayagiri and INS Kavaratti, under the command of Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, YSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, arrived at Ho Chi Minh City on a port call to foster professional exchanges and further strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Vietnam," the Indian Embassy in Hanoi wrote on X.
"Maritime cooperation is one of the strongest pillars of the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam," it added.
The delegation includes 610 officers and sailors. They were welcomed by representatives from Vietnam's military, diplomatic agencies and Ho Chi Minh City authorities.
Over the course of the visit, personnel of both navies came together through professional exchanges, cultural interactions and collaborative activities, strengthening mutual understanding and fostering lasting professional relationships.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is excellent for India's strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific. We need more such collaborations to counterbalance China's influence in the region. The Act East policy is finally showing results.
As someone who works in maritime logistics, I can say these interoperability exercises are crucial. Having navies that can work together smoothly is key for trade security. Good move by India!
We should also focus on building more advanced ships and reducing our dependency on foreign equipment. But overall, a positive step for our naval diplomacy. 👏
Act East is looking impressive! 610 personnel is a significant delegation too. These kind of engagements build trust that lasts decades. Good to see India projecting power responsibly.
One small critique - hope the Navy is also investing enough in modernizing the Eastern Fleet. We need more than just goodwill visits; we need power projection capability. But nice to see us engaging with Thailand.
The sports and community outreach activities show a softer side of naval diplomacy. Loved seeing that included! Building bridges beyond just military drills. 🌏
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