Indian Naval ships arrive in Thailand on operational deployment

Three Indian Navy ships of the Eastern Fleet arrived at Sattahip, Thailand, on Saturday as part of an operational deployment to Southeast Asia, reflecting India’s continuing maritime engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific.

The ships, INS Udaygiri, INS Kavaratti, and INS Shakti, were received by the Royal Thai Navy. The flotilla is led by Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet. According to an official statement, the port call is intended to further strengthen the longstanding maritime partnership and bilateral naval cooperation between India and Thailand.

During the visit, personnel of the two navies will take part in a series of professional and operational engagements, including cross-deck visits, staff interactions, operational exchanges, sporting events, and community outreach programmes. The activities are aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening professional ties between the two navies.

The deployment forms part of India’s wider maritime outreach to Southeast Asia, with a focus on expanding defence cooperation and promoting regional stability through sustained naval engagement and capacity-building initiatives.

The visit also provides an opportunity to demonstrate the Indian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. The three ships incorporate indigenous design, modular construction, and advanced onboard technologies, reflecting progress in India’s naval construction and defence manufacturing. The deployment also reinforces India’s maritime partnership with countries in the region, the statement said.