Bilateral naval exercise 'Al Mohed Al Hindi 23', reinforces growing defence ties between India and Saudi Arabia

The sea phase of the second edition of bilateral exercise 'Al Mohed Al Hindi 23' between the Indian Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF), held from May 23-25, 2023 off Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, has reinforced the growing defence ties between the two nations. The first edition of the exercise was conducted in 2021.

The Indian Navy was represented in exercise 'Al Mohed Al Hindi 23' by INS Tarkash, INS Subhadra and Dornier Maritime Patrol aircraft (MPA). The RSNF was represented by HMS Badr and Abdul Aziz, MH 60R helo and UAV.

According to information released by India's Ministry of Defence on Saturday (May 27, 2023), the three-day exercise at sea witnessed a wide spectrum of maritime operations. The exercise culminated with a debrief at sea followed by the traditional steam past.

"The successful conduct of 'Al Mohed Al Hindi 23' showcased high degree of professionalism, interoperability and exchanges of best practices between the two navies. The bilateral exercise met all its objectives and both sides intend to graduate to more advanced level of exercises in the next edition," the Ministry of Defence said.

INS Tarkash, the flagship frigate of the Western Naval Fleet along with INS Subhadra, an offshore patrol vessel, had arrived at Port Al-Jubail on May 21, 2023. Training interaction between personnel of Royal Saudi Naval forces and IN crew was carried out as part of the Harbour Phase of the bilateral exercise.

On May 22, Indian Ambassador Suhel Khan, along with the captains of INS Tarkash and INS Subhadra, the CO Dornier Aircrew, and the Defence Attaché, paid a visit to the King Fahad Naval Academy, Saudi Arabia.

During the visit, Ambassador Khan and his Saudi counterparts explored avenues to strengthen the existing naval cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia. The discussions centred around expand training opportunities for Saudi naval personnel at training institutes of the Indian Navy.

"Defence relations constitute a significant element of our shared strategic vision for the region and the first bilateral Naval Exercise conducted in August 2021 is a testimony to our strong ties with the Kingdom. These Naval engagements assist in promoting understanding and furthering inter-operability between the two friendly Navies," the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said in a statement issued on May 22, 2023.