Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), represented by the Eastern Fleet, and Indian Naval Forces kicked off "Indian Ocean" joint drills on Tuesday in the Arabian Gulf.

This exercise aims to exchange experience between the two sides and to ensure freedom of navigation and security in the Arabian Gulf.

In a statement, Commander of the Eastern Fleet Vice Admiral Majed Bin Hazza Al-Qahtani affirmed that the "Indian Ocean" exercise is the first of its kind between the Saudi and Indian naval forces, adding that these maneuvers seek to enhance military cooperation in the field of naval operations between Saudi Arabia and India.

Saudi Arabia and India have embarked on a well charted journey towards enhancing the bilateral relations in multifarious fields to include enhancing trade and business opportunities, infrastructure development, commerce, medical research, people to people exchanges, defense cooperation and military training.

The bilateral defense engagements have seen a noticeable upswing in the recent past with an increased frequency of Indian Naval ship visits facilitated with active support of the Kingdom.

Defense relations constitute a significant element of the two nations shared strategic vision for the region and the first bilateral naval exercise is a testimony to India’s strong ties with the Kingdom. The naval exercise will assist in promoting understanding and furthering interoperability between the two Navies.

Indian naval assets have been increasingly deployed in recent times to address the maritime concerns of the region. In addition, Indian Navy has also been involved in assisting countries in the region with Hydrographic Survey, Search and Rescue and other such capacity building and capability-enhancement activities.

The ship INS Kochi was visited by the Indian Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed wherein he was briefed on the capabilities and various tasks undertaken by the ship besides a brief on the ongoing naval exercise.

A press conference was also held onboard the ship where ambassador, along with Rear Admiral and Captain of the ship briefed the media houses about growing defense ties between India and Saudi Arabia as part of overall bilateral relations, which have completed 75 years and are on an upward trajectory.A number of distinguished guests and members of Indian Diaspora also visited the ship during its port call.

The sea phase of the exercise will commence from Aug. 12, 2021 wherein a number of sea exercises and maneuvers are planned. The presence of Indian Western Fleet Commander onboard the ship to witness the first naval exercise is a testimony to the importance accorded by India to this event.