Indian and Thai naval forces conducted a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) following the Indian Navy’s visit to Sattahip, enhancing interoperability and reaffirming their shared commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
Indian and Thai Navies Hold Coordinated Maritime Exercise
India and Thailand have taken another step towards strengthening their maritime partnership with the successful completion of a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) involving warships from both countries. Conducted after the Indian Navy’s port visit to Sattahip, the exercise demonstrated the growing strategic cooperation between the two friendly nations and their shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
The exercise featured Indian Naval Ships INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti, and INS Kavaratti of the Eastern Fleet, alongside HTMS Chao Phraya of the Royal Thai Navy. Through coordinated operations at sea, both navies enhanced operational coordination while reinforcing their long-standing defence relationship.
Sattahip Visit Sets Stage for Joint Operations
The PASSEX followed the Indian Navy’s goodwill visit to Sattahip, one of Thailand’s key naval bases. Such overseas deployments are an important aspect of India’s maritime engagement strategy, allowing naval personnel to interact with partner nations through professional exchanges and bilateral discussions.
After completing activities ashore, the participating vessels conducted a series of maritime drills designed to strengthen cooperation and improve familiarity with each other’s operating procedures. These interactions contribute to stronger institutional relationships while expanding opportunities for future collaboration.
The visit also reflects the importance both countries place on regular defence engagements as part of their broader strategic partnership.
Exercise Enhances Operational Readiness
The primary objective of the PASSEX was to improve interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy. During the exercise, the participating ships carried out coordinated manoeuvres, communication drills, tactical operations, and seamanship exercises aimed at improving their ability to work together during future missions.
Joint naval exercises such as PASSEX help participating forces develop common operational practices and strengthen coordination during humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, maritime patrols, search-and-rescue operations, and other multinational missions.
The exercise also enabled both navies to exchange professional expertise and operational best practices while operating in a realistic maritime environment.
Commitment to a Stable Indo-Pacific
India and Thailand continue to strengthen cooperation in support of a secure, open, and stable Indo-Pacific region. As maritime trade routes become increasingly significant for regional and global commerce, closer naval collaboration has become essential for addressing shared security challenges.
The PASSEX reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to promoting maritime safety, freedom of navigation, and regional stability through sustained defence cooperation. It also reflects their shared interest in preserving a rules-based maritime order while enhancing preparedness for evolving security and humanitarian challenges.
Growing Defence Cooperation
Defence ties between India and Thailand have expanded steadily through naval exchanges, military training, joint exercises, and high-level engagements. Regular interactions between the two armed forces have strengthened mutual trust while creating opportunities for greater operational cooperation.
The Indian Navy’s participation in international exercises and overseas deployments forms part of India’s wider vision of enhancing partnerships with friendly nations across the Indo-Pacific. Such engagements contribute to regional peace while strengthening diplomatic and military relations.
The latest PASSEX adds another chapter to the growing defence partnership between India and Thailand and highlights the importance of continued collaboration in ensuring maritime security.
Why This Matters
Maritime cooperation remains a key pillar of regional security in the Indo-Pacific. Joint exercises improve operational readiness, foster trust between partner navies, and enhance the ability to respond collectively to both security threats and humanitarian emergencies.
By conducting regular engagements such as PASSEX, India and Thailand continue to build stronger defence ties while supporting a safer and more secure maritime environment.
Conclusion
The successful PASSEX involving INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti, INS Kavaratti, and HTMS Chao Phraya reflects the deepening maritime partnership between India and Thailand. Building on the Indian Navy’s visit to Sattahip, the exercise strengthened interoperability, improved operational coordination, and reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to promoting peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific. As defence cooperation continues to expand, such initiatives will play an increasingly important role in fostering regional collaboration and maritime resilience.
Key Takeaways
- India and Thailand conducted a PASSEX following the Indian Navy’s port visit to Sattahip.
- INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti, INS Kavaratti, and HTMS Chao Phraya participated in the exercise.
- The drill enhanced interoperability and operational coordination between the two navies.
- The exercise reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to maritime security and Indo-Pacific stability.
- India and Thailand continue to deepen defence cooperation through regular naval engagements.
Category: Defence | India News | International Relations | Maritime Security
