Question: Consider the following statements;
i) Indian Navy and Thailand Navy are conducting 31st edition of Coordinated Patrols or CORPAT from June 8 to June 11, 2021.
ii) The two navies have been undertaking CORPAT bi-annually along their International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) since 2005.
Which of the above are correct?
a) only i
b) only ii
c) both i and ii
d) None
Ans: c
Facts
- CORPAT is being conducted for reinforcing maritime links between the two countries and with an aim of keeping the Indian Ocean safe and secure for international trade.
- It builds up understanding and interoperability between both the navies.
- It facilitates measures to prevent & suppress unlawful activities such as Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, maritime terrorism, drug trafficking, armed robbery and piracy.
- It also helps in enhancing operational synergy by exchanging information to prevent smuggling, illegal immigration and to conduct SAR operations at sea.
- This is part of Indian government’s SAGAR initiative.
About SAGAR
- Mission SAGAR was launched in 2015 by government of India.
- It is India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean i.e. Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
- Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours and assist in building their maritime security capabilities. For this, India would cooperate on the exchange of information, coastal surveillance, building of infrastructure and strengthening their capabilities.
By kameshwar shukla