India, Thailand reinforce cooperation with joint naval drill

Indian Naval Ships Udaygiri, Shakti, and Kavaratti participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Royal Thai Navy ship HTMS Chao Phraya. The joint naval drill occurred off the coast of Sattahip, Thailand, following a visit by the Indian ships to the port.

The Indian Navy stated that the exercise provided an opportunity to enhance interoperability between the two navies. It also reaffirmed their shared commitment to maritime security and regional stability. The three Indian ships had arrived in Sattahip on June 28 as part of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet Operational Deployment.

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Indian Naval Ships Udaygiri, INS Shakti and INS Kavaratti of the Eastern Fleet undertook #PASSEX with HTMS Chao Phraya of the Royal Thai Navy following their visit to Sattahip, Thailand. The exercise provided an opportunity to enhance interoperability between the two Navies, reaffirming their shared commitment to maritime security and regional stability.

Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, led the Indian contingent. The port call is a continuation of India's maritime engagement with Southeast Asian nations. It highlights the close and long-standing maritime partnership between India and Thailand, according to an official statement.

The visit included professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, and operational interactions. These activities are designed to strengthen navy-to-navy cooperation and interoperability. The initiative also showcases India's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and its growing role as a reliable defense technology partner. The engagement reinforces India's Act East policy and cooperative maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

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IndianNavy's Eastern Fleet Ships Udaygiri, Shakti and Kavaratti, led by Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, FOCEF, arrived at Sattahip, Thailand. The visit aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen professional cooperation and promote greater understanding with Royal Thai Navy through a series of operational interactions, sporting engagements and community outreach activities. The port call reflects India's commitment to its Act East policy, MAHASAGAR and reinforces cooperative maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. The visit aims to strengthen maritime partnerships with ASEAN nations during the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026.