New Delhi: Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, embarked on an official visit to India from April 1st to April 3rd, 2024. During his visit, he engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation in the maritime domain, fostering training exchange programmes, and bolstering information sharing between the two maritime forces.
The highlight of Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam’s visit was his interaction with Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, held in New Delhi on April 1st, 2024. The discussions between the two naval leaders revolved around various strategic issues and opportunities for collaboration.
Kicking off his visit with ceremonial gestures, Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam paid tribute at the National War Memorial and received a warm welcome with a customary Guard of Honour presented by the Indian Navy at the South Block, New Delhi. Subsequently, he is scheduled to hold meetings with key officials including the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, Defence Secretary, and the National Maritime Security Co-ordinator, further reinforcing the ties between the two nations.
To strengthen defence cooperation between India and Thailand, Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam is set to meet with officials from the Indian Defence Industries and the Department of Defence Production in New Delhi. Additionally, an interactive session with Indian Navy Officials from the Warship Design Bureau is planned to delve into current trends in shipbuilding and identify future opportunities, including the scope of ship maintenance and repairs in India.
The naval ties between India and Thailand have witnessed steady growth over the years. Both navies have been conducting regular Coordinated Patrols biannually since 2005, promoting interoperability and maritime security in the region. Notably, the maiden IN-RTN Bilateral Exercise, Ex-Ayutthaya, held in December 2023, marked a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts. Furthermore, the participation of the Royal Thai Navy Ship HTMS Prachup Kheri Khan in MILAN 24, hosted in Visakhapatnam in February 2024, underscored the commitment of both nations towards fostering maritime cooperation.
As active members of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), India and Thailand continue to play pivotal roles in promoting peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region. The visit of Admiral Adoong Pan-Iam to India serves as a testament to the enduring bilateral relations and the unwavering friendship between the two navies, paving the way for further collaboration and synergy in the maritime domain.