The Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) held their first joint drill. It was called “Ex-Ayutthaya,” which is a reference to the historical and cultural links between “Ayodhya” in India and “Ayutthaya” in Thailand.
“Ex-Ayutthaya,” which means “The Invincible One” or “Undefeatable,” is the name of an exercise between India and Thailand. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, it “symbolizes the significance of two of the oldest cities, Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand, the historic legacies, rich cultural ties and shared historical narratives dating back several centuries.”
The two navies worked together on the drill from December 20th to December 23rd of last year.
The first edition of the drill was held with the Indian Naval ships Kulish and IN LCU 56 taking part.
The statement says that His Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Prachuap Khiri Khan fought for the Royal Thai Navy.
Along with the first drill between the two countries, the 36th India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) took place.
Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies also took part in the sea part of the drill.
By doing these kinds of joint drills, both navies have taken a step toward improving operational synergy and making the exercises more difficult over time.
“During the first edition of the exercise, participants from both navies conducted surface and anti-air exercises, which included firing weapons, improving their seamanship, and moving their troops around tactically,” the statement said.
As part of the Indian government’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) strategy, the Indian Navy has been working with countries in the Indian Ocean Region to make the area’s seas safer.
The statement also said, “The Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy have kept up a close and friendly relationship that has grown stronger over the years.”
The first IN-RTN bilateral drill, which was held with Indo-Thai CORPAT, shows that relations between the two maritime neighbors are getting stronger and has made it easier for the two navies to work together.
