Indian Naval Ships INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti and INS Kavaratti conducted a PASSEX with Thailand’s HTMS Chao Phraya following a port visit to Sattahip, strengthening bilateral naval cooperation and regional maritime security.
India and Thailand Strengthen Naval Partnership Through PASSEX
The Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy further reinforced their maritime partnership by conducting a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) in the waters off Thailand after Indian warships concluded a port visit to Sattahip. The exercise underscored the growing defence cooperation between the two maritime neighbours and highlighted their shared commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The PASSEX involved Indian Naval Ships INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti, and INS Kavaratti of the Eastern Fleet, along with HTMS Chao Phraya of the Royal Thai Navy. Such exercises play an important role in improving operational coordination, strengthening mutual understanding, and enhancing the ability of both navies to operate together during maritime missions.
Port Visit Followed by Operational Exercise
The exercise was conducted following the Indian Navy’s successful port call at Sattahip, one of Thailand’s principal naval bases. Port visits are an integral part of naval diplomacy, providing opportunities for professional exchanges, cultural interactions, and discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral defence relations.
After completing engagements ashore, the participating warships moved to sea for the PASSEX, where personnel from both navies carried out coordinated maritime activities designed to improve interoperability and operational efficiency.
These exercises also allow naval crews to exchange best practices and gain valuable experience while operating together in a professional environment.
Enhancing Interoperability at Sea
PASSEX exercises are designed to improve coordination between friendly navies by practising standard maritime procedures and communication protocols.
During the exercise, the participating ships carried out various operational manoeuvres and seamanship activities that tested coordination, navigation, and communication capabilities. Such interactions help strengthen mutual confidence and ensure that both navies can effectively cooperate during humanitarian assistance missions, disaster relief operations, maritime security patrols, and other joint activities.
Enhanced interoperability also contributes to faster and more effective responses to evolving maritime challenges in the region.
Shared Commitment to Maritime Security
The exercise reaffirmed the common commitment of India and Thailand to promoting maritime security, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.
Both countries share strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific and have consistently expanded defence cooperation through naval visits, joint exercises, training exchanges, and high-level military engagements. As maritime traffic and regional security challenges continue to evolve, stronger cooperation between partner navies has become increasingly important.
The PASSEX reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two nations and their shared objective of maintaining a secure and rules-based maritime environment.
Expanding India-Thailand Defence Cooperation
India and Thailand have steadily strengthened their defence relationship over the years through regular military interactions and naval cooperation.
The Indian Navy frequently undertakes operational deployments and goodwill visits to friendly foreign ports as part of India’s broader maritime outreach. These engagements support diplomatic ties while promoting collaboration in areas such as maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, anti-piracy operations, and search-and-rescue missions.
The latest PASSEX adds another milestone to the expanding defence partnership between the two countries and highlights the importance of sustained naval engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
Why This Matters
Naval exercises such as PASSEX play a vital role in improving operational readiness and strengthening partnerships between friendly maritime forces.
As the Indo-Pacific continues to grow in strategic importance, enhanced cooperation between regional navies contributes to safer sea lanes, improved maritime security, and greater stability across the region. Joint exercises also foster trust, facilitate knowledge sharing, and prepare participating forces for coordinated responses to both conventional and humanitarian challenges.
Conclusion
The PASSEX conducted by INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti, INS Kavaratti, and HTMS Chao Phraya marks another important step in strengthening defence cooperation between India and Thailand. Following the Indian Navy’s port visit to Sattahip, the exercise enhanced interoperability, reinforced professional ties, and reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to maintaining maritime security and regional stability. As India and Thailand continue expanding their naval engagement, such initiatives will remain crucial in supporting peace, cooperation, and a secure Indo-Pacific.
Key Takeaways
- Indian and Thai naval ships conducted a PASSEX following a port visit to Sattahip.
- INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti, INS Kavaratti, and HTMS Chao Phraya participated in the exercise.
- The exercise focused on improving interoperability and operational coordination.
- Both navies reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security and regional stability.
- The PASSEX strengthens the growing defence partnership between India and Thailand.
FAQs
Which Indian Navy ships participated in the PASSEX?
INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti, and INS Kavaratti of the Eastern Fleet took part in the exercise.
Which Royal Thai Navy ship joined the exercise?
HTMS Chao Phraya participated on behalf of the Royal Thai Navy.
Where was the PASSEX conducted?
The exercise took place after the Indian Navy’s port visit to Sattahip, Thailand.
What is the purpose of a PASSEX?
A PASSEX enhances interoperability, communication, and operational coordination between friendly navies.
Why is the exercise significant?
It strengthens India-Thailand defence ties while supporting maritime security, regional stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Category: Defence | India News | International Relations | Maritime Security
