Royal Thai Navy Chief's Strategic Visit to India Bolsters Maritime Ties
VISIT BY ADMIRAL ADOONG PAN-IAM COMMANDR-IN-CHIEF ROYAL THAI NAVY
In a significant step towards enhancing maritime cooperation and strengthening defence relations, Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, embarked on an official visit to India from the 1st to the 3rd of April 2024. His meeting with Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff of India, on the 1st of April in New Delhi, underscored the commitment of both nations to foster mutual cooperation in the maritime domain. Their discussions delved into pivotal areas such as maritime security, training exchange programs, and the sharing of strategic information.
Admiral Pan-Iam's visit commenced with a tribute at the National War Memorial, where he laid a ceremonial wreath, followed by a formal reception marked by a Guard of Honour presented by the Indian Navy at South Block, New Delhi. His itinerary also included meetings with high-ranking defence officials, including the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Defence Secretary, and the National Maritime Security Coordinator, signifying the broad spectrum of defence and security dialogues between the two nations.
Furthering the agenda of deepening defence cooperation, Admiral Pan-Iam's engagements in New Delhi involved discussions with representatives from Indian Defence Industries and the Department of Defence Production. An interactive session with officials from the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau was also on the agenda, aiming to explore advancements in shipbuilding and identify opportunities for future collaboration, particularly in ship maintenance and repairs.
The naval forces of India and Thailand have maintained a tradition of conducting biannual Coordinated Patrols since 2005, illustrating the operational synergy between the two navies. The inaugural bilateral exercise, Ex-Ayutthaya, held in December 2023, and the participation of the Royal Thai Navy Ship HTMS Prachup Kheri Khan in MILAN 24 in February 2024 in Visakhapatnam, further highlight the growing naval camaraderie. Both countries are also integral members of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), platforms that facilitate regional maritime cooperation.
The visit of Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam to India epitomizes the enduring friendship and robust bilateral relations between the navies of India and Thailand, heralding a new chapter in their strategic partnership.