India and Qatar conduct joint naval exercise in Persian Gulf

The second edition of the joint naval exercise, Zair-Al-Bahr, between the Indian Navy and Qatar Emiri Naval Force (QENF) was conducted between August 9 and 14 in the Persian Gulf.

This edition of the exercise included a three-day harbour phase followed by a two-day sea phase. The sea phase comprised of tactical maritime exercises involving surface action, anti-piracy exercises, air defence, maritime surveillance, boarding operations and SAR exercises.

In the sea phase of the exercise, the Indian Navy’s Stealth Frigate INS Trikand, QENF’s missile boats of Barzan and Damsah class, fast-attack crafts of MRTP 34 class and Rafale fighter aircraft participated.

2nd Ed of India-Qatar Bilateral #Maritime Ex “Zair-Al-Bahr” conducted from 09-14 Aug 21 #PersianGulf. Tactical maritime exercises at sea incl Surface Action, #AntiPiracy exercises, Air Defence, Maritime surveillance, Boarding ops & SAR exercises conducted (1/2)#interoperability pic.twitter.com/qq23xAeukg — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 16, 2021

“The Indian Navy remains committed towards ensuring peace, stability and security in the region and is ever-ready to cooperate and collaborate with partner navies on issues of maritime safety and security,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.

“The second edition of exercise Zair-Al-Bahr will contribute towards the Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship with the Qatari Navy. The bilateral maritime exercise between the two navies will further strengthen the maritime exchanges between the two countries and enhance maritime security in the region,” the statement added.