6th Edition of Staff Talks Between Indian Navy and Royal Oman Navy Focus on Security Challenges

Delhi, India: The Indian Navy (IN) and the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) held the 6th edition of Staff Talks from June 4th to June 5th, 2024, in New Delhi, aimed at reinforcing defense ties in the maritime domain. Led by Cmde Jasim Mohammed Ali Al Balushi, DG Ops & Plans, the RNO delegation engaged with Commodore Manmeet Singh Khurana, Commodore (FC) from the IN, demonstrating the enduring maritime partnership between the two nations. 

The talks centered on common maritime security challenges, emphasizing the need for increased interoperability at sea. Discussions encompassed operational collaboration, information sharing, Maritime Domain Awareness, training, meteorology, hydrography, and technical assistance. The RNO delegation also visited the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram, where they met VAdm Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy. Oman stands as one of India's closest partners in the Gulf region, with regular Staff Talks serving as a vital mechanism for enhancing naval cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties. 

Rich Historical Maritime Ties 

Dating back 4000 years, India and Oman share deep-rooted maritime connections. The Indo-Oman Treaty of Friendship, Transportation, and Trade signed in 1953 marked the legal recognition of bilateral relations between the two nations. Since 1993, the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman have conducted the 'Naseem-Al-Bahr' naval exercise, symbolizing the enduring maritime friendship.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Collaboration in December 2005, followed by the establishment of Joint Force Cooperation in March 2006, laid the groundwork for expanded security cooperation. Over the years, military ties between India and Oman have flourished, encompassing operational engagements, training cooperation, and the exchange of subject matter experts across various domains. 

The bilateral maritime exercise, 'Naseem Al Bahr,' held biennially since 1993, serves as a cornerstone of defense collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman. The 2022 edition of the exercise, last conducted off the coast of Goa in 2020, will witness the participation of ships from both navies, further enhancing maritime interoperability and strategic cooperation.