Maritime News India : Goa, 20 October 2024 – The Indian Navy participated in a successful bilateral naval exercise, Naseem-Al-Bahr, with the Royal Navy of Oman off the coast of Goa from 13 to 18 October 2024. The exercise, which involved INS Trikand and the Indian Navy’s Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, focused on enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.
Two Phases of the Exercise: Harbour and Sea Operations
The exercise was conducted in two phases:
- Harbour Phase (13 to 15 October 2024): This phase included professional exchanges and interactions between personnel from both navies. Key activities included Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) and planning conferences. Participants also engaged in sports fixtures and social events, fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding.
- Sea Phase (16 to 18 October 2024): This phase involved a series of operational evolutions at sea, including gun firings at surface inflatable targets, close-range anti-aircraft firings, complex manoeuvres, and Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPS).
Advanced Operations and Interoperability Enhancement
During the sea phase, several key operations were executed to improve interoperability between the two navies:
- Cross-deck Helicopter Operations: The Indian Navy’s integral helicopter operated from INS Trikand and conducted cross-deck landings and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) with the Royal Navy of Oman Vessel Al Seeb.
- Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTHT): The Dornier Aircraft of the Indian Navy provided crucial OTHT data, assisting in operational coordination between the ships.
- Embarkation of Sea Riders: To further enhance practical cooperation, Indian Navy Sea Riders embarked on RNOV Al Seeb for a day, allowing for a deeper understanding of each navy’s procedures.
Key Outcomes of Naseem-Al-Bahr Exercise
The Naseem-Al-Bahr exercise significantly contributed to improving the operational readiness and cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman. The key outcomes included:
- Strengthened interoperability between the navies.
- Enhanced understanding of each other’s best practices and operational tactics.
- Reinforced maritime security and operational cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Strengthening India-Oman Maritime Relations
This successful maritime exercise reaffirms India’s commitment to constructive collaboration with like-minded nations, particularly in the strategic Indian Ocean Region. The ongoing partnership between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman continues to grow, reinforcing shared values and enhancing mutual security.
