CONTEXT:

• The 2019 Indo-Myanmar coordinated patrol (IMCOR) is taking place from 20 May to 28 May 2019 in Port Blair at Andaman and Nicobar Command. This is the 8th edition of the coordinated patrol (CORPAT) between India and Myanmar.
• The coordinated patrol (CORPAT) initiative between the Indian Navy and Myanmar Navy seeks to address issues of terrorism, human trafficking, poaching, illegal fishing, drug trafficking and other illegal activities harmful to interest of both nations.
• The CORPAT series was first started in Mar 2013. Since then it has fostered improved professional interaction and enhanced mutual understanding between the two navies for maritime interoperability.

BACKGROUND:

• The Indo-Myanmar coordinated patrol IMCOR began on 20th May 2019. For the Opening Ceremony of 2019 edition, Myanmar Navy Ships arrived on 20 May 2019 in Port Blair at Andaman and Nicobar Command.
• It will be undertaken by Myanmar ships viz. UMS King TabinShweHtee (773) and UMS Inlay (OPV54) with Indian Naval Ship, INS Saryu.
• The exercise includes the patrolling effort by participants will be augmented by Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from both the navies. The ships deployed would patrol along International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) between the two countries thus, covering a distance of about 725 Kms over a period of four days.
• During the sea phase of coordinated patrol, prior to Closing Ceremony’ of CORPAT onboard Myanmar Naval Ship, the deployed ships will also undertake joint drills and maneuvers.