Why in News?
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Surat arrived in Muscat, Oman, on 8 November 2026 to participate in the 15th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr (Sea Breeze). The exercise will be followed by a Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.
About Exercise Naseem Al Bahr
- Naseem Al Bahr is a bilateral maritime exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman. It aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, improve operational coordination and enhance mutual understanding between the two navies.
- The 15th edition will include activities during both the harbour and sea phases.
Key Activities of the Exercise
The exercise will include several professional and operational activities, such as:
- Cross-deck Visits: Naval personnel will visit each other's ships to understand operational practices.
- Operational Interactions: Both navies will exchange professional experiences and best practices.
- Sporting Events: Joint activities will promote cooperation and friendship among naval personnel.
- Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT): The exercise will be followed by a coordinated patrol between the two navies.
These activities will help improve interoperability and strengthen professional cooperation.
Significance of the Exercise
- Strengthening Maritime Cooperation: The exercise will deepen defence and maritime ties between India and Oman.
- Improving Operational Interoperability: Joint activities will help both navies improve coordination and work together more effectively.
- Promoting Regional Maritime Security: Cooperation between the two navies will contribute to maritime security and stability in the region.
- Sharing Best Practices: The exercise will provide an opportunity to exchange operational knowledge and professional experience.
India-Oman Maritime Partnership
- India and Oman share longstanding maritime relations based on bilateral ties and common regional interests.
- INS Surat's visit also builds on the momentum of the 13th meeting of the India-Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee, held on 24 November 2025.
- The visit reflects the commitment of both countries to expand defence cooperation and strengthen maritime engagement.
Link with India's MAHASAGAR Vision
- The deployment of INS Surat is also aligned with India's MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for:
- Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
- The vision focuses on strengthening cooperation with maritime partners to promote regional security, stability and shared growth.
Conclusion
The 15th edition of Exercise Naseem Al Bahr highlights the growing maritime partnership between India and Oman. Through joint exercises and coordinated patrols, both countries aim to strengthen naval cooperation and contribute to regional maritime security.
Prelims Practice Question
Q. Exercise Naseem Al Bahr is conducted between the navies of which two countries?
[A] India and Saudi Arabia
[B] India and Oman
[C] India and UAE
[D] India and Qatar
Mains Practice Question
How does maritime cooperation between India and Oman contribute to strengthening regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region? Discuss with reference to the India-Oman naval exercise Naseem Al Bahr.
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FAQs
1. What is Exercise Naseem Al Bahr?
Exercise Naseem Al Bahr is a bilateral maritime exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.
2. Which edition of Exercise Naseem Al Bahr was held in 2026?
The 15th edition of the exercise was held in November 2026.
3. Where was INS Surat deployed for the exercise?
INS Surat arrived in Muscat, Oman, on 8 November 2026 to participate in the exercise.
4. What are the key activities of Exercise Naseem Al Bahr?
The exercise includes harbour and sea phases, cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting activities.
5. What is the main objective of Exercise Naseem Al Bahr?
Its main objective is to improve interoperability, strengthen professional cooperation and enhance mutual understanding between the two navies.
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