New Delhi: As part of a sustainable trajectory in military relations with the Gulf countries, India began the first naval exercise with Saudi Arabia called ‘Al Mohed Alpt’ on Thursday.
Towards a two-day training, the destroyer of Indian Missiles Ins Kochi, with two integral King-42B marine helicopters, arrived at Port al Jubai on Monday as long as the ongoing spread of the Persian Gulf.
Flag Officer ruled the western fleet of India, Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar, also held a discussion with the Saudi Fleet Commander, Admiral behind Majid Al Qahtani, at King’s Naval Base Abdul Aziz.
“In addition to strengthening bilateral military bonds, this exercise will help both navies understand each other’s operational practices,” said an officer.
Ins Kochi has been doing exercises with the UAE Navy, ‘Zayed Talwar’, off the coast of Abu Dhabi last week.
The UAE had mobilized Corvette Missile-Missile Baynunah-Class, along with helicopters, for training on August 7, which included tactical maneuvers, operational targeting and electronic war operations.
The exercise came shortly after Air Head IAF Marshal R K S Bhadauria visited the UAE and Israel earlier this month to increase bilateral military bonds with both countries.
UAE, incidentally, has led among Gulf countries in “normalizing” bonds with Israel, countries where India also has strong defense cooperation.
The policy to expand military relations with the Gulf countries also saw the Head of General M M Naravane Tour UAE and Saudi Arabia, during a first visit by the Head of the Indian military, in December last year.