Naseem Al Bahr exercise begins between Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman

The Indian Navy ship INS Surat arrived in Muscat, Oman, on 8 November, 2026, to participate in the 15th edition of 'Naseem Al Bahr' (Sea Breeze), a bilateral maritime exercise between India and the Royal Navy of Oman. According to a PIB report, coordinated patrolling (CORPAT) will also be undertaken by the navies of both countries following this exercise.

During this exercise, various professional activities will be organised during the harbour and sea phases. These include visiting each other's naval vessels, operational discussions, and sporting activities. Through these activities, personnel from both navies will have the opportunity to share experiences and best practices, enhance mutual operational coordination and interoperability, and foster a better understanding of each other.

The visit underlines the strong and long-standing maritime partnership between India and Oman, which is based on years of friendly relations between the two nations. According to the Ministry of Defence, this visit is in line with the Government of India's 'MAHASAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. Additionally, this visit will provide an opportunity to build upon the positive momentum generated during the 13th meeting of the Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) held on 24 November, 2025.

According to a report by The Times of India, the security of the Arabian Sea is central to this exercise. India maintains its presence in critical maritime areas to ensure energy security and to counter piracy threats. Recent operations include multinational training initiatives and successful anti-piracy rescue operations off the coast of Somalia.

The Indian Navy is the maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy. A four-star Admiral serves as the Chief of Naval Staff. As a blue-water navy, it operates significantly in the Persian Gulf region, the Horn of Africa, and the Malacca waterways, and regularly conducts anti-piracy operations with other navies in the region. It also regularly conducts two to three-month deployments in the South and East China Seas as well as the Western Mediterranean Sea.