The bilateral naval exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman took place off the coast of Goa from October 13 to 18, 2024. The Indian Navy was represented by INS Trikand and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, while the Royal Navy of Oman’s vessel Al Seeb participated. The exercise, conducted in two phases, aimed to enhance operational coordination and strengthen ties between the two nations.
Overview of Naval Exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr
The exercise was structured into two key phases, the harbour phase and the sea phase, allowing both navies to engage in comprehensive training and operations.
1. Harbour Phase (October 13-15, 2024)
- During the harbour phase, naval personnel participated in professional exchanges, including Subject Matter Expert (SME) interactions and planning meetings.
- Activities included sports fixtures and social gatherings to build camaraderie and promote a spirit of cooperation.
2. Sea Phase (October 16-18, 2024)
- Vessels INS Trikand and RNOV Al Seeb conducted various naval drills, including gun firings at surface targets and anti-aircraft exercises.
- Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPS) were practiced to enhance logistical coordination, while cross-deck helicopter operations demonstrated operational readiness.
- The Indian Navy’s Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft provided Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTHT) data, improving targeting accuracy.
- Indian Navy Sea Riders embarked on RNOV Al Seeb to further improve interoperability by sharing best practices and learning from each other’s techniques.
Importance of the Naseem-Al-Bahr Exercise
The successful completion of this exercise underscored the following key outcomes:
- Enhanced Interoperability: Strengthened the ability of both navies to operate seamlessly during joint missions.
- Mutual Understanding: Fostered better tactical understanding and collaboration through joint training.
- Strengthened Relations: Solidified the partnership between India and Oman, promoting regional security and cooperation.
Strategic Relevance
India and Oman share a strategic partnership that focuses on enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). By conducting joint exercises like Naseem-Al-Bahr, the two nations demonstrate their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and readiness to address potential maritime challenges. This exercise is a crucial part of India’s broader strategy to foster cooperative ties with like-minded nations.
Naseem-Al-Bahr 2024 Exercise Overview
| Aspect | Details |
| Event | India-Oman Naval Exercise – Naseem-Al-Bahr |
| Location | Off the coast of Goa, India |
| Dates | October 13-18, 2024 |
| Participating Vessels | INS Trikand (India), RNOV Al Seeb (Oman) |
| Key Activities | Gun firings, anti-aircraft drills, RASAPS, helicopter operations, OTHT |
| Outcome | Enhanced interoperability, strengthened naval cooperation |
Naseem-Al-Bahr exercise Summary
- The India-Oman naval exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr was held off Goa from October 13-18, 2024.
- Participating vessels included INS Trikand and RNOV Al Seeb, along with Indian Navy’s Dornier aircraft.
- The exercise featured two phases: harbour and sea, involving various naval maneuvers.
- Key outcomes included improved interoperability, mutual understanding, and strengthened India-Oman ties.
- The exercise is part of a larger strategy to enhance regional maritime security.
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
The main purpose is to improve operational coordination and strengthen the partnership between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.
It was held off the coast of Goa from October 13 to 18, 2024.
The harbour phase involved professional exchanges, planning meetings, and social activities to foster collaboration between the two navies.
The sea phase included gun firings, anti-aircraft drills, and helicopter operations, which helped improve combat readiness and coordination.
The Dornier aircraft provided Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTHT) data, enhancing the precision of naval operations.
It reinforces strategic cooperation, promotes maritime security, and enhances mutual understanding between the two nations.
Such exercises strengthen India’s maritime defense capabilities, improve regional security, and help maintain peace in the Indian Ocean Region.
