In a historic move, the Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy joined forces for their first bilateral maritime exercise, aptly named ‘Ex-Ayutthaya,’ highlighting the deep-rooted cultural connections between Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand.
Cultural Ties and Historical Narratives
The significance of ‘Ex-Ayutthaya’ lies in the cultural and historical ties shared by Ayodhya and Ayutthaya, two ancient cities with narratives spanning centuries. Both cities boast rich traditions, forming a backdrop for the collaborative naval exercise that took place from December 20-23, 2023.
Symbolism of ‘Ex-Ayutthaya’
The term ‘Ayutthaya,’ meaning ‘the invincible one’ or ‘undefeatable,’ signifies the strength and resilience encapsulated in the partnership between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy. The choice of name reflects the shared commitment to fostering strong maritime cooperation.
Naval Participation and Activities
The inaugural edition of ‘Ex-Ayutthaya’ witnessed the participation of indigenously built Indian naval ships Kulish and IN-LCU 56, alongside the Royal Thai Navy’s representation through His Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Prachuap Khiri Khan. The exercise comprised surface and anti-air activities, including weapon firing, seamanship evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres.
India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT)
Simultaneously, the 36th edition of the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol was conducted alongside the maiden bilateral exercise. Maritime patrol aircraft from both navies engaged in the sea phase, demonstrating a synchronized approach to regional maritime security.
Strengthening Maritime Security and Synergy
The introduction of ‘Ex-Ayutthaya’ is a strategic step towards enhancing operational synergy and progressively elevating the complexity of joint exercises. Aligned with the vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy actively collaborates with Indian Ocean Region countries to bolster regional maritime security.
Close Ties and Future Prospects
The Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy’s enduring friendship continues to evolve, marked by this significant milestone. ‘Ex-Ayutthaya’ serves as a testament to the shared commitment to maritime security and the strengthening bonds between the two naval forces.
