Table of Contents
Context
- 28th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) was conducted from 05 – 15 September 2019.
Details
- Since 2003.
- To ensure effective implementation of United Nations Conventions on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- UNCLOS specify regulations regarding protection and conservation of natural resources, conservation of marine environment, prevention and suppression of illegal, unregulated fishing activity/ drug trafficking/ piracy, exchange of information in prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration and conduct of Search and Rescue operations at sea.
UNCLOS
- It defines the rights and responsibilities of nations
- It came into operation and became effective from 16thNovember 1982.
- A school of thought known as freedom-of-the-seas.(earlier)
- As per this law, there were no limits or boundaries set to the aspect of marine business and commercial activities.
- Over-exploitation of the sea’s resources was immensely felt
Analysis
- A series of bilateral exercises with regional navies in the Indian Ocean have demonstrated the Indian Navy’s resolve to preserve operational leverage in India’s near seas.
- List of Naval Exercises were held.
Reasons for numerous exercises
- China’s increasing naval footprint
- South Asian Navies increasing Presence
- Looking for partnerships
- African focus
Conclusion
- Defensive stand
- No strategic gains
- Power equation favouring China
- Only risk management approach