Saeed Haider

Saudi Gazette

ONBOARD INS TIR (JUBAIL) —  It was a celebration of the growing Indo-Saudi relations, particularly in defense. The mood was festive and the atmosphere charged with the aura of special friendship and mutual respect and affection prevailing. It was one of the occasions when Saudis and expat Indians mixed with each other with ease and comfort.



Soft Indian music wafted on the main deck of INS TIR, India’s training ship, which played host to its Saudi counterparts as well as Saudi and Indian citizens and members of the fourth estate at Jubail Port Tuesday.



In a year normally dozens of Indian ship call on Saudi ports, some for joint exercises and some paying courtesy call. But the level of hospitality this time round was unique. INS TIR made the entire reception very special by giving it a personal touch. Most of the seamen were trainees who are on a 24 weeks sojourn aboard the ship, which will take them to various places and impart several naval training.



Each of the cadets and officers of the ship were taking minutest care of their guests. Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao and his wife Asiya Rao were the perfect host, going to each guest individually and inquiring about them personally. It was extremely pleasant to see the usually-reserved Indian Ambassador mingling with the crowd wearing his trademark smile.



Earlier, addressing a press conference on board TIR, the ambassador highlighted the traditional Indo-Saudi relation. He said the mutual ties go far beyond business or professional interests and are reflective of a greater merging of the two civilizations.



“Defense relations constitute a significant element of our social strategic vision with Saudi Arabia and the current visit by these two fine Indian Navy ships is a testimony to our strong ties.”



The foundations for the military ties between both countries were first laid by the visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to India in 2006 and further strengthened by the visit of the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2010. It was decided to formalize the relations through establishment of a Joint Committee on Defense Cooperation. The JCDC comprising of senior figures from both the countries met subsequently in New Delhi.



“It is only natural that our shared military relations proceeded to the next higher levels.”  This was achieved in February this year through the visit of Crown Prince Salman, Defense Minister, to Delhi wherein a landmark agreement on Defense Cooperation was signed between both the countries. The agreement provides a wide framework for engaging in military cooperation in various dimensions ranging from training to production and joint operations.



The ambassador said that India and Saudi Arabia were actively cooperating in numerous fields. Saudi officers are undergoing training courses in higher military institutions in India. India military officers are undertaking regular tours to Saudi Arabia in their quest for shared learning.



“Saudi officers are regular visitors to our Defense Exhibitions, aero shows and naval fleet reviews. Ships visiting both countries are an annual feature; all these activities are creating a conducive environment for mutual cooperation and support. I remain assured that we shall continue to work together to strengthen our relations in future.”



The Commanding Officer of INS TIR Capt. V.K. Sawhney,  Senior Officer First Training Squadron. briefed the media about the training program and the ship. Dr. Hifzur Rahman, Second Secretary at the Indian Embassy established a perfect chord with Saudi mediapersons.



Earlier, the captain along with the a paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Governor of the Eastern Province, Prince Jalawi Bin Mus’ad and discussed bilateral relations between the two countries.