INS Surat Hits Muscat for 15th Naseem Al Bahr Exercise
INS Surat reaches Muscat for the 15th India-Oman maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr to boost operational synergy and maritime security.
Strengthening the strategic bonds between New Delhi and Muscat, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Surat arrived in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday. The vessel's arrival marks the beginning of the 15th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr (Sea Breeze), a key pillar in the growing naval cooperation between India and the Sultanate of Oman.
Beyond the Drills: What Naseem Al Bahr 2026 Entails
Scheduled to run from November 8 to 11, 2026, the exercise is designed to enhance operational synergy and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman. The program is divided into comprehensive harbour and sea phases, ensuring a holistic approach to maritime training.
Participants will engage in a variety of professional activities, including:
- Cross-deck visits: Allowing sailors to familiarize themselves with each other's platforms.
- Operational interactions: Sharing tactical knowledge and strategic maneuvers.
- Sporting events: Fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding between the two forces.
Following the main exercise, the two navies will conduct a Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT), further cementing their ability to work together in real-time maritime environments.
The Vision of MAHASAGAR
According to a press release from the Union Ministry of Defence, this deployment aligns with the Government of India's MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The initiative emphasizes the importance of collective security and growth across the Indian Ocean Region.
The Ministry highlighted that these activities provide a vital platform for personnel from both navies to exchange best practices and experiences, ensuring that both forces remain agile and capable of handling modern maritime challenges.
Building on Diplomatic Momentum
The current exercise is not an isolated event but a continuation of the momentum generated during the 13th edition of the Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting held in New Delhi on November 24, 2025. That high-level meeting was co-chaired by India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Oman's Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi.
Key Strategic Agreements
During those diplomatic talks, both nations focused on several critical areas of defence cooperation:
- Defence Industrial Collaboration: A strong emphasis was placed on joint development, technology sharing, and expanded production partnerships.
- Strategic Resilience: Discussions centered on strengthening supply chains and fostering innovation in emerging defence technologies.
- Indigenous Manufacturing: Both sides agreed to create long-term frameworks to support the co-development of advanced platforms.
- Regional Security: The officials exchanged perspectives on international security developments, specifically within the Indian Ocean Region, noting that closer collaboration is essential for regional stability.
During his visit to India, Secretary General Al Zaabi also held significant meetings with Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, reaffirming the commitment to a regular high-level dialogue.
A Partnership of Stability
The port call of INS Surat underscores a "strong and enduring maritime partnership" rooted in deep-seated political, economic, and cultural ties. India and Oman continue to cooperate closely across various sectors, including energy security, oil and gas trade, counter-terrorism, and overall maritime security, ensuring a stable and secure environment for both nations.