Port Blair, Oct 26: The 32nd edition of the IND-INDO Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) was conducted from 11 Oct to 24 Oct 18. Thereafter, the closing ceremony of the CORPAT was held at Port Blair. For the closing ceremony Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Kapitan Pattimaru arrived at Port Blair on 24 Oct 18 along with a high level Indonesian delegation led by First Admiral Dafit Santoso, Commandant Sea Security Task Force of Indonesian Navy.
On arrival, the First Admiral called on Cmde Ashutosh Ridhorkar, Naval Component Commander of Andaman Nicobar Command, who was also the host for the closing ceremony, and exchanged mementoes. Indian Naval Ship Kulish and Indian Naval Maritime Patrol Aircraft Dornier participated in the exercise from the Andaman and Nicobar Command. As part of the CORPAT, the participating ships and patrol aircraft of the two countries undertook patrolling on the respective sides of 236 nautical miles long International Maritime Boundary Line. During the closing ceremony at Port Blair, various interactions including sports fixtures, ship visits and professional interactions were undertaken between the two Navies.
The Indian Navy and Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) have been carrying out coordinated patrols twice a year since 2002. The aim of the exercise is to enhance mutual understanding and inter-operability between the navies. Joint operations against piracy, measures against sea pollution and prosecute vessels engaged in unlawful activities like illegal fishing, drug trafficking, gun running, smuggling etc are part of the CORPAT.