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Recently, the maiden bilateral maritime exercise named “Ayutthaya” was conducted between the Indian Navy (IN) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN).  

About 36th Edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) 

• Indo-Thai CORPAT: The 36th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) was also conducted along with the maiden bilateral exercise. 
• SAGAR and Engagement in IOR: As part of India’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) towards enhancing regional maritime security. 
• Significance of Exercise: This is a testimony to the growing bilateral relations between the two maritime neighbors and has enabled the enhancement of interoperability between the two navies.
• Other military exercise between India – Thailand: Joint Military Exercise Maitree 

About Exercise Ayutthaya

• Name: Exercise Ayutthaya translates to ‘The Invincible One’ or ‘Undefeatable’ and symbolizes the significance of ‘Ayodhya’ in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand, which holds historical legacies and has rich cultural ties. 
• Ships Participated: The Indian Navy was represented by Indigenously built Indian Naval ships Kulish and IN LCU 56. The RTN side was represented by His Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Prachuap Khiri Khan. 
• Exercise Conducted: Participating units from both navies conducted surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firing, seamanship evolutions and tactical maneuvers.

Historic City of Ayutthaya

• Ayutthaya: is the former capital of the Tai state of Ayutthaya (Siam). Its remains are characterized by the prang (towers) and gigantic monasteries. 
• Location: Central Thailand, north of Bangkok. 
• UNESCO’s World Heritage Site: The site consists of immense temples and other important historical and architectural structures. 
  • It was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1991.

News Source: PIB