Muscat – Indian Naval Ships Tir, Shardul, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Veera, part of the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy, arrived in Muscat October 5, 2024 as part of a long-range training deployment. This port call highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen defence relations between India and Oman in the maritime domain.

During their stay, from October 5 to 9, 2024, the Indian Navy will engage with the Royal Navy of Oman in a series of joint exercises, harbour interactions, and discussions on maritime security and interoperability. The visit will also focus on training exchanges, professional engagements, and friendly sporting events between the two navies. This marks the third visit of the 1TS to Muscat in the past decade, underscoring the significance of naval cooperation and the consolidation of existing partnerships between the two countries.

Coinciding with this deployment, Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, is on an official visit to Oman from October 6 to 9. During his visit, he will hold bilateral discussions with Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah al Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (COSSAF), and Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsen al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO). Additionally, he will visit key defence and training establishments in Oman.

The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman share longstanding ties, particularly in the areas of operations, training, and collaborative efforts. The recent 6th edition of the Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman Staff talks, held in New Delhi in June 2024, further strengthened these bonds. The current visit of the 1TS, along with the CINC’s visit, is expected to further bolster bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.