New Delhi: As part of the ongoing trajectory in military relations with the Gulf countries, India is now ready to do the first naval exercise with Saudi Arabia called “Al Mohed Alpt”.
Guided Kochi’s missile destroyer, with two integral King-42B marine helicopters, arrived at Port al Jubai on Monday during the spread of the Persian Gulf.
Flag Officer ruled India’s West Fleet, Admiral behind Ajay Kochhar, held a discussion with the Commander of the Saudi Saudi Fleet, Rear Admiral Majid Al Qahtani, on Tuesday in front of the exercise.
Ins Kochi last week did exercise with the UAE Navy, “Zayed Talwar”, off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
UAE has mobilized the Corvette Missile-missile baynunah-class, along with helicopters, for training on August 7, which included tactical maneuvers, targeting horizons 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 the first visit by the Head of the Indian military, in December last year.
In March this year, the IAF has taken part with the Sukhoi-30MKI fighters and the C-17 Globemaster-III aircraft in a large multi-air air battle training called “Desert Flag ‘in UAE.
Air Force from US, France, South Korea , UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also participated in the training.
UAE Air Force, incidentally, has provided support through the Airbus MRTT fuel aircraft to the New Rafale IAF Fighters on their flight more than 7,000 km to India from France.
India is also in a discussion for Exporting Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles, which have a 290 km strike range, and Akash air defense missiles, which have a 25-km interception range, to UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Both countries are also interested in the production of defense production together with India.