Exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr Enhances India-Oman Naval Cooperation

Why in the news?

India and Oman recently held the bilateral naval exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr in Goa, involving INS Trikand, Dornier aircraft, and complex naval drills to strengthen maritime security ties.

Exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr Enhances India-Oman Naval Cooperation

Overview and Significance:

  • Exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Oman, initiated in
  • Oman was the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to conduct such military exercises with India.
  • The 2024 edition of the exercise took place in Goa, with INS Trikand and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft representing the Indian Navy.
  • This exercise highlights the enduring strategic partnership between India and Oman, emphasising their shared commitment to regional maritime security.

Exercise Phases and Activities:

  • The exercise was conducted in two phases: the harbour phase and the sea phase.
  • Harbour Phase: This included professional exchanges, planning conferences, sports events, and social interactions, promoting mutual understanding between naval personnel.
  • Sea Phase: It involved complex naval drills such as gun firings at inflatable targets, anti-aircraft exercises, fleet manoeuvres, and Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPS).
  • INS Trikand’s helicopter performed cross-deck landings and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) with RNOV Al Seeb, while India’s Dornier aircraft provided Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTHT) data, facilitating operational coordination.

INS Trikand: Key Details

  • Type: Frontline guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy.
  • Class: Talwar class, known for its versatility in naval operations.
  • Weapons and Sensors: Equipped with a wide range of advanced weapons and sensors, enhancing its combat capabilities.
  • Role: Capable of conducting anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
  • Fleet: Part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, headquartered in
  • Significance: Plays a crucial role in maintaining maritime security and enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational reach in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times

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