The 13th edition of naval exercise 'Naseem Al Bahr' was held off the coast of Oman

The Indian Navy (IN) and Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) participated in the 13th edition of the bilateral exercise 'Naseem Al Bahr' (Sea Breeze) from November 19-24.

From the Indian side, guided missile stealth frigate INS Trikand, offshore patrol boat INS Sumitra, and maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) Dornier took part in the exercise.

The exercise, which took place off the coast of Oman, was divided into three phases: a debrief, a sea phase, and a harbour phase.

During the harbour phase, the operations teams of both navies interacted professionally and engaged in friendly sporting competitions.

The Indian Navy Ships Trikand and Sumitra and Oman Navy Ships Al Shinas and Al Seeb sailed ahead of the sea phase. IN - MPA Dornier, RNO MPA and shore based fighter aircraft Hawks joined the exercise at sea.

During the sea phase, there were additional tactical maritime drills involving surface action, air defense, maritime surveillance, and interdiction and VBSS. These operations improved each party's understanding of the other's processes and strengthened interoperability.

The exercise's last phase, the debrief, took place at the RNO Naval Base in Duqm on November 23.

According to the Ministry of Defense's official press release, India and Oman have always had cordial relations and a shared appreciation of moral principles, and these kinds of naval exercises increased the substance and strength of these bilateral ties.

The press release also added that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the IN-RNO bilateral exercises which began in 1993.