INS Surat reaches Oman for 15th India-Oman naval exercise Naseem Al Bahr

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Surat arrived in Muscat, Oman, on November 8 to participate in the 15th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise 'Naseem Al Bahr 2026', aimed at strengthening operational coordination, interoperability and maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.

The exercise, which translates to 'Sea Breeze', is part of the longstanding defence partnership between India and Oman and will be followed by a Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) involving the naval forces of both countries.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise will feature a series of professional engagements during its harbour and sea phases, including cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting events.

These activities are intended to provide personnel from both navies with opportunities to exchange operational experiences, share best practices and improve their ability to work together during maritime operations.

The Indian Navy said INS Surat arrived in Muscat on Sunday for the exercise, scheduled from November 8 to 11, as part of continuing efforts to deepen bilateral naval cooperation.

𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The exercise is expected to strengthen professional understanding between the two naval forces through coordinated activities and operational exchanges.

During the harbour phase, personnel from both countries will participate in professional interactions, cross-deck visits and sporting engagements designed to promote familiarity with each other's operational procedures.

The sea phase will involve practical naval activities intended to enhance interoperability and coordination between participating vessels.

The exercise will be followed by a coordinated patrol, further reinforcing the two countries' commitment to maritime cooperation and regional security.

The Ministry of Defence said INS Surat's port call highlighted the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and Oman, founded on longstanding bilateral relations and shared regional interests.

𝐌𝐀𝐇𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐑 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬

The deployment also aligns with India's MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

The initiative emphasises cooperation with maritime partners to promote regional security, economic growth and collaborative development.

The ministry said the exercise would provide an opportunity to build on the momentum generated during the 13th meeting of the India-Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee, held on November 24, 2025.

The meeting had provided a platform for strengthening bilateral defence engagement and identifying areas for closer military cooperation.

The latest naval exercise is expected to further advance these objectives by improving operational coordination and strengthening professional relationships between the two maritime forces.

𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦

India and Oman have maintained close defence relations, with maritime cooperation forming an important component of their strategic partnership.

Last month, the two countries held the eighth edition of their Navy Staff Talks in New Delhi on October 27 and 28.

The discussions were co-chaired by Commodore Kartik Srimal of the Indian Navy and Commodore Ahmed Juma Salim Al Khatri, Director General of Operations and Plans of the Royal Navy of Oman.

Both sides discussed ways to strengthen operational engagements, training cooperation, information sharing and hydrographic collaboration, while addressing shared maritime security challenges.

Earlier, the Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini visited Salalah in Oman from October 14 to 17 as part of its transoceanic deployment, Lokayan-2026.

During the visit, naval personnel participated in professional interactions and sporting activities with their Omani counterparts, further strengthening bilateral ties.

The ongoing Naseem Al Bahr exercise and subsequent coordinated patrol are expected to reinforce India and Oman's maritime partnership and enhance their ability to undertake cooperative naval operations in the region.