Naseem-Al-Bahr 2017: India, Oman conducts naval exercise

The 11th edition of Naseem-Al-Bahr (Sea Breeze) 2017 Naval exercise between India and Oman was held at Said Bin Sultan Naval Base, Wudam in Oman.
The year marks 24 years of Indian Navy-Royal Navy of Oman bilateral exercises that has been a biennial feature since 1993.

Key Facts

The Indian Navy had deployed two naval ships – INS Trikand and INS Teg in this edition of bilateral exercise for the harbour phase. In sea phase of the exercise, Indian Navy ships along with four Royal Navy of Oman ships Al Mubashir, Al Rasikh, Khassab and Al Bushra had sailed. Ffor the first time, an Indian Navy had deployed submarine as well as the versatile P8I, long range maritime aircraft are participating.

Background

India has ancient maritime tradition and maritime interaction with Oman dates back to over 4000 years BC. Bilateral relations between both countries were formally established with signing of 1953 Indo-Oman Treaty of friendship, Navigation and Commerce. It was first between India and Arab country.
Since then, bilateral naval exercises have contributed to strengthening of bilateral ties between both countries. The first exercise Indian Navy with Royal Navy of Oman was conducted in 1993.
Further signing of MoU on Defence Cooperation in December 2005 and subsequent establishment of oint Military Cooperation (JMC) in March 2006 had set foundation for increased defence cooperation. The naval cooperation between both countries since then has gradually increased in scope and scale.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2017