© PIB Website
Indian Naval Ships Visit Oman to Strengthen Maritime Cooperation
Indian Naval Ships Tir, Shardul, and the Indian Coast Guard Ship Veera from the First Training Squadron (1TS) arrived in Muscat, Oman, on October 5, 2024, as part of a long-range training deployment. The port call highlights the growing maritime defence relations between India and Oman, aimed at enhancing regional maritime security and operational interoperability.
The visit, scheduled from October 5 to 9, will involve the Indian Navy engaging with the Royal Navy of Oman in various activities, including joint exercises, training exchanges, professional interactions, and friendly sports fixtures. This marks the third visit of the 1TS to Muscat in the past decade, reinforcing the enduring partnership between the two navies.
High-Level Bilateral Engagements and Defence Collaboration
During this period, Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, will also be on an official visit to Oman. He is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (COSSAF), and Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsen Al-Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO). Vice Admiral Srinivas will also visit key defence and training installations in the Sultanate.
The deployment and high-level interactions underscore the significance of India-Oman maritime cooperation, which includes joint operations, collaborative training initiatives, and regular exchanges. In June 2024, the two navies held the 6th edition of the Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman Staff talks in New Delhi, further strengthening ties.
The visit of the 1TS and the official engagements are expected to deepen the existing defence relationship and foster new avenues for cooperation in the maritime domain between the two friendly nations.
