Bangkok: Three ships of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet arrived at Sattahip, Thailand, on Saturday as part of an overseas deployment aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and boosting professional engagement with the Royal Thai Navy.
The fleet, comprising INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti and INS Kavaratti, is led by Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Fleet.
According to the Indian Navy, the visit will feature a range of operational interactions, professional exchanges, sporting events and community outreach programmes designed to strengthen ties and improve coordination between the two navies.
The port call also reflects India’s commitment to its Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, while reinforcing cooperative maritime security across the Indo-Pacific region.
The visit is particularly significant as it forms part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026, which aims to deepen maritime partnerships between India and ASEAN member countries.
Before arriving in Thailand, the Eastern Fleet had visited Ho Chi Minh City earlier this week. During the port call, INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti participated in professional exchanges with the Vietnamese Navy to further strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Vietnam.
The Indian Embassy in Hanoi described maritime cooperation as one of the strongest pillars of the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam.
The Indian naval delegation, comprising around 610 officers and sailors, received a warm welcome from representatives of Vietnam’s military, diplomatic community and Ho Chi Minh City authorities. During the visit, personnel from both navies took part in professional discussions, cultural exchanges and joint activities, helping to build stronger operational ties and long-term professional relationships.
With inputs from IANS