NEW DELHI. In his first visit after taking over, Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Commander in Chief Admiral Luechai Ruddit visited India from December 18 to 21 along with a nine member RTN delegation.

The visit aims to consolidate bilateral naval relations between India and Thailand, as also to explore new avenues for naval cooperation.

During his visit, the Commander in Chief, Royal Thai Navy held bilateral discussions with Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Naval Staff. The Commander in Chief, Royal Thai Navy, also called on Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on December 19.

Various important maritime engagement issues related to operational interactions such as conduct of Coordinated Patrols (CORPATs), Training, Hydrography and METOC cooperation, participation in Admiral’s Cup and deputing of Sea Riders were discussed during the bilateral interaction with the CNS.

A significant achievement during this visit was the signing of the Technical Agreement (TA) on White Shipping Information Exchange between India and Thailand. The TA will help enhance the Maritime Domain Awareness in the region for the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy.

The Commander in Chief RTN Navy scheduled to visit the Western Naval Command at Mumbai on December 20, where he would hold discussions with the senior naval officials and visit various naval units.