India, Myanmar conduct fourth coordinated patrol

For the fourth year in a row, India and Myanmar undertook coordinated patrol in the Andaman Sea, a statement said on Thursday.

At the closing ceremony after the patrol, India and Myanmar signed the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the India-Myanmar Coordinated Patrol (IMCOR).

"The signing of the SOP is a significant achievement and will facilitate smooth conduct of coordinated patrols between two friendly neighbours that share a long maritime boundary in the strategically significant Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal," the statement said.

Navies of the two countries have conducted coordinated patrols along the maritime boundary since 2013.

The fourth edition of the India-Myanmar Coordinated Patrol (IMCOR) was undertaken from February 13 to 16, along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Andaman Sea.

Indian Navy ships Saryu and Bitra along with Myanmar ships Aung Zeya and FAC 563 participated in the patrol.

Besides Myanmar, India has formal agreement for joint patrol only with two other navies -- Thailand and Indonesia.