This is the first post pandemic Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) between the two countries

The 38th India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) between the Indian Navy Units of Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC) and Indonesian Navy began on Monday.

It is being conducted from June 13 to 24 2022 in the Andaman Sea and Straits of Malacca, the Ministry of Defence said.

The 38th CORPAT, which is the first post pandemic Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) between the two countries, includes a visit by the Indonesian Navy units to ANC at Port Blair from June 13 to 15. This will be followed by a Sea Phase in the Andaman Sea and a visit by Indian Navy Units to Sabang, Indonesia from June 23 to 24, the defence ministry said.

As part of Government of India’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), Naval Component under the aegis of HQ ANC undertakes coordinated patrols with other littoral countries of the Andaman Sea along respective Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) towards enhancing regional maritime security.

India and Indonesia have enjoyed especially close relations, covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions which have strengthened over the years.

The two Navies have been carrying out CORPAT along their International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) since 2002. This has helped build understanding and interoperability between both the Navies and has facilitated measures to prevent and suppress Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy, etc.

The IND-INDO CORPAT contributes towards forging strong bonds of friendship across the Andaman Sea and Straits of Malacca, the defence ministry pointed out.