The Indian and Royal Thai navies have reaffirmed their commitment to capacity building, training and greater maritime cooperation during the 14th edition of their Staff Talks held in New Delhi. The discussions, which concluded on September 3, focused on strengthening bilateral naval engagement and identifying new areas of collaboration.
The Staff Talks were co-chaired by Rear Admiral Sachin R. Sequeira, ACNS (FCI), from the Indian Navy and Rear Admiral Chaksawat Saiwong, Director, Office of Policy and Planning, Naval Operations Department, Royal Thai Navy. Both sides reviewed areas of mutual interest and underlined the importance of professional cooperation, training and capacity building in strengthening ties between the two maritime forces.
The latest discussions follow a series of operational engagements between the two navies. In July, Indian Naval Ships INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti and INS Kavaratti of the Eastern Fleet conducted a Passage Exercise, or PASSEX, with Royal Thai Navy ship HTMS Chao Phraya after completing their visit to Sattahip, Thailand.
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The exercise provided an opportunity for the two navies to enhance interoperability and strengthen coordination during maritime operations. The engagement also reaffirmed the shared focus on maritime security and regional stability, reflecting the growing operational interaction between India and Thailand in the maritime domain.
During the Sattahip visit, personnel from the two navies participated in professional exchanges, ship visits, sporting activities and a combined yoga session. Indian and Royal Thai Navy personnel also took part in a friendly volleyball match on June 30 during the visit of INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti and INS Kavaratti.
The Indian Navy also highlighted the warm farewell hosted by the Royal Thai Navy at the conclusion of the Eastern Fleet ships' visit to Sattahip. The latest Staff Talks and recent naval activities underline continued efforts by India and Thailand to strengthen defence cooperation, improve interoperability and build greater capacity through regular training and professional exchanges.
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