India-Oman Naval Drill Strengthens Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean

Strategic Synergy in the Arabian Sea

The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman have concluded the 15th edition of their bilateral maritime exercise, Naseem Al Bahr (Sea Breeze). By conducting complex drills involving INS Surat and RNOV Al-Mu’azzar, the two nations have signaled a unified approach to addressing regional maritime security challenges and maintaining the stability of critical sea lanes.

Operational Integration and Specialized Training

The exercise was structured into two distinct phases, focusing on high-level professional knowledge transfer and tactical combat drills. The harbour phase served as a foundation for technical cooperation, while the sea phase tested the operational readiness of both fleets.

• Technical Exchange: Specialized teams conducted Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) focusing on Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Mine Countermeasure Operations.
• Hydrography Cooperation: Both navies shared advancements in hydrographic surveying, essential for safe navigation and maritime domain awareness.
• Tactical Drills: The sea phase featured Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations and complex cross-deck maneuvers to synchronize standard operating procedures.

Exercise Naseem Al Bahr reflects the close maritime partnership between India and Oman and the shared commitment to strengthening regional security through coordinated procedures and operational interoperability.

National Strategic Perspective

This engagement is a cornerstone of India’s ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policy. By fostering deep professional ties with the Royal Navy of Oman, India is effectively securing its western maritime flank, ensuring that the Indian Ocean remains a zone of peace and commerce rather than conflict.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)

Reporting and source materials courtesy of Press Information Bureau.