In a significant development for the Indian Navy, the warship, INS Kochi is holding the first naval exercise with Saudi Arabia, which is a reflection of of the growing defence ties between the two countries in the strategically important Gulf region.
The name of this exercise is “Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 2021” which commenced on Monday (August 9) comprises a number of shore and sea-based exercises between the two friendly navies, according to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
INS Kochi is an indigenously designed Kolkata class stealth guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Western Naval Fleet. This ship arrived at Port Al-Jubail on Monday after conducting a naval drill with the United Arab Emirates off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
“The arrival of the ship heralds a new chapter in the bilateral defence ties with the commencement of the harbour phase of first Naval Exercise between the two countries – ‘Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 2021′,” the statement said.
On the ship’s arrival at the Jubail port, it was given a warm welcome by officials of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Border Guards and the Indian Embassy staff.
The exercise comes after Indian Army chief General M M Naravane’s became the first senior Indian officer to Saudi Arabia in December last year and his tour also had included the strategically important Gulf countries of the UAE.
The visit was closely viewed by Pakistan which for decades was the traditional allies of Saudi Arabia and much to its dismay, Gen Naravane’s visit was seen as a reflection of India’s growing strategic ties with the two key Gulf countries which have now opened up new avenues for cooperation in the defence and security sphere.
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