INS Surat and Omani Warship Al-Mu’azzar Conduct 15th Naseem Al Bahr Naval Exercise

The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman have successfully conducted the 15th edition of their bilateral maritime exercise, Naseem Al Bahr (Sea Breeze), strengthening operational coordination, professional cooperation and maritime security engagement between the two countries. The exercise featured the participation of Indian Naval Ship Surat and Royal Navy of Oman vessel Al-Mu’azzar in a series of specialised maritime activities and joint operational drills.

Announced by the Ministry of Defence on 11 November 2026, the exercise brought together naval personnel from both countries to exchange operational expertise, practise coordinated maritime procedures and strengthen interoperability. The engagement reflects the continuing development of the India–Oman maritime partnership and the importance both countries attach to maintaining professional cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

Harbour Phase Focuses on Specialised Naval Operations

The harbour phase of Exercise Naseem Al Bahr involved Subject Matter Expert Exchanges between specialist teams of the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman. These interactions focused on operational areas requiring specialised technical knowledge, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Mine Countermeasure Operations and Hydrography.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal involves identifying, assessing and safely neutralising explosive threats that may endanger naval personnel, vessels or maritime infrastructure. The exchange of operational experience in this field provides opportunities for naval specialists to understand procedures, equipment applications and methods employed by their counterparts.

Mine Countermeasure Operations formed another important component of the professional exchanges. Naval mines can threaten commercial shipping, naval movements and access to strategically important maritime routes. Cooperation in mine countermeasure techniques contributes to professional preparedness for identifying and addressing such underwater hazards.

Hydrography, which involves surveying and mapping the physical characteristics of seas and coastal waters, was also included in the discussions. Accurate hydrographic information supports safe navigation, maritime planning and naval operations, making technical exchanges in this field an important element of bilateral maritime cooperation.

INS Surat and Al-Mu’azzar Conduct Joint Sea Drills

The sea phase featured coordinated operational activities involving INS Surat and the Royal Navy of Oman vessel Al-Mu’azzar. The participating ships conducted joint Visit, Board, Search and Seizure drills and cross-deck operations designed to strengthen coordination between naval personnel.

Visit, Board, Search and Seizure operations are an important component of maritime security activities, enabling naval forces to conduct inspections of vessels in accordance with applicable operational procedures and legal requirements. Such operations may be undertaken in response to suspected unlawful maritime activity or other security-related situations.

During the exercise, personnel from both navies practised coordinated boarding and inspection procedures, providing opportunities to develop a shared understanding of operational methods and improve communication during maritime security activities.

Cross-deck operations formed another important component of the sea phase. These activities allow participating naval personnel to practise procedures involving operations between vessels, contributing to greater familiarity with each other’s operational practices and improving coordination during joint maritime deployments.

The combination of specialised professional exchanges and practical sea drills provided a comprehensive framework for strengthening interoperability between the participating naval forces.

Strengthening India–Oman Maritime Cooperation

Exercise Naseem Al Bahr represents an established component of defence cooperation between India and Oman. The bilateral engagement provides a platform for both navies to maintain professional contact, exchange operational knowledge and develop coordination in maritime activities of mutual interest.

Oman’s geographical position near the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz gives the country considerable maritime significance. The waters surrounding Oman connect important shipping routes linking the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and wider Indian Ocean, making regional maritime cooperation particularly relevant to commercial shipping and naval operations.

For India, continued naval engagement with Oman supports stronger maritime relationships in the western Indian Ocean and contributes to cooperation with regional partners responsible for safeguarding important sea routes.

The participation of INS Surat in the latest exercise also demonstrates the Indian Navy’s continuing engagement with friendly maritime forces through bilateral training activities and operational exchanges.

Advancing India’s MAHASAGAR Vision

The 15th edition of Naseem Al Bahr also supports the Government of India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

The framework emphasises cooperation with regional and international partners to promote maritime security, economic development and shared prosperity. Naval exercises such as Naseem Al Bahr contribute to this broader approach by developing operational familiarity, encouraging professional engagement and strengthening maritime partnerships.

India’s maritime cooperation with Oman is particularly relevant because of the geographical connections between the Arabian Sea, the Gulf region and major international shipping routes. Maintaining regular interaction between the two naval forces provides opportunities to improve coordination and reinforce shared interests in regional maritime stability.

Through specialised technical exchanges, coordinated boarding exercises and cross-deck operations, the latest edition of Naseem Al Bahr has further developed the operational relationship between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.

The exercise underscores the continuing importance of bilateral naval cooperation in strengthening maritime security partnerships and supporting a stable and cooperative Indian Ocean region.

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