Indian and Omani Navies Hold 15th Naseem Al Bahr Exercise with INS Surat and Al-Mu’azzar

The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman have completed the 15th edition of their bilateral maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr, or Sea Breeze, using a mix of specialist exchanges and at-sea drills to build operational coordination between the two forces. Indian Naval Ship INS Surat and Omani vessel Al-Mu’azzar took part in the sea phase.

The exercise brought personnel and naval assets from both countries together for professional interactions and coordinated maritime activities. Its two-part format began with exchanges in harbour and moved on to practical operations at sea, giving participants the opportunity to discuss specialist procedures before applying coordinated practices during drills.

Specialist exchanges in harbour

During the harbour phase, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) covered Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Mine Countermeasure Operations and Hydrography. These areas involve distinct skills relevant to maritime safety and naval preparedness, and the sessions allowed specialists from the two navies to share professional knowledge and operational experience.

EOD involves identifying, assessing and safely handling explosive threats. This capability is important for protecting naval personnel and vessels, as well as maritime infrastructure, from potentially dangerous devices.

Mine Countermeasure Operations were another focus. Naval mines can threaten military and commercial shipping, making their detection, identification and clearance important maritime responsibilities. The exchanges gave personnel from both navies an opportunity to compare knowledge and experience in this area.

Hydrography was also covered. It involves surveying the physical characteristics of maritime environments, including water depths, seabed features and navigational conditions. Accurate hydrographic information supports safe navigation, maritime planning and naval operations.

Joint drills at sea

At sea, INS Surat and Al-Mu’azzar conducted coordinated maritime activities, including joint Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills and cross-deck operations. The exercises allowed personnel to practise procedures, communication and teamwork across the two navies.

VBSS training focuses on procedures for inspecting and boarding vessels. Such skills can be used in maritime security missions, including efforts to prevent illegal activity at sea and enforce applicable maritime regulations. Practising the drills together helped the participating crews build familiarity with coordinated boarding procedures.

Cross-deck operations formed the other main element of the sea phase. They involve the movement or exchange of personnel between naval platforms under coordinated procedures. The activities helped crews become more familiar with one another’s operational practices and supported closer cooperation between the ships.

A regular platform for maritime cooperation

INS Surat’s participation brought an Indian-built Visakhapatnam-class guided-missile destroyer, constructed under Project 15B, into the exercise. The ship is equipped with modern sensors, weapons and combat management systems designed to support a range of maritime operations. Its deployment for the bilateral engagement reflected the Navy’s focus on operational readiness alongside cooperation with friendly foreign navies.

Al-Mu’azzar represented the Royal Navy of Oman in the sea phase. The Omani Navy’s participation continued the two countries’ close maritime ties and their efforts to improve professional coordination through regular bilateral engagement.

Naseem Al Bahr is an established component of the longstanding defence relationship between India and Oman. Its recurring exchanges and drills help the two navies maintain professional relationships, share operational experience, develop common procedures and improve their ability to coordinate maritime activities.

The partnership also reflects the countries’ shared maritime interests in the Indian Ocean region. Oman’s location near the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz—an important route for international trade and energy transportation—adds to the strategic relevance of maritime cooperation between the two countries. Naval engagement contributes to broader efforts to promote regional stability and support the safety of commercial shipping in strategically important waters.

The exercise is aligned with the Government of India’s vision of MAHASAGAR, meaning Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The initiative emphasises cooperation on security, development and regional engagement, particularly through partnerships with countries that share maritime interests.

The 15th edition brought together professional exchanges, operational drills and interactions at sea, strengthening interoperability and mutual understanding between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.