New Delhi: Indian warship INS Surat arrived in Muscat, Oman, Sunday to participate in the 15th edition of the bilateral naval exercise Naseem Al Bahr, also known as Sea Breeze. The exercise will be followed by a Coordinated Patrol (Corpat) between the Navy and the Oman navy.
INS Surat is a Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyer.
The exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and improve operational coordination between the two navies. It will include harbour and sea phases, featuring cross-deck visits, professional interactions, operational exchanges and sporting activities.
Oman is strategically located on the Arabian Sea, close to the Strait of Hormuz and therefore holds strategic importance for India. The waterway is an important route for global oil and gas shipments and maritime security in the region is important for India’s energy and trade interests.
The two countries are looking to improve interoperability and share operational expertise through Naseem Al Bahr. The Corpat will enable the two navies to coordinate patrol activities and strengthen maritime surveillance.
The 14th edition of Naseem Al Bahr was held off the coast of Goa from October 13 to 18, 2024. India participated with INS Trikand and a Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, while Oman deployed its naval vessel Al Seeb.
The sea phase featured coordinated manoeuvres, gun-firing exercises, antiaircraft firing and replenishment-at-sea approaches. Cross-deck helicopter operations and the exchange of over-the-horizon targeting information were also conducted.
The two fleets benefited from the exercises through learning how to work together and familiarizing themselves with each other’s operational process. In addition, the exercises increased professionalism among their personnel.
What does the exercise mean for India?
The engagement is crucial for the maritime interests of India in the Arabian Sea and the greater Indian Ocean Region. Collaboration with Oman will assist India in establishing its presence in the strategic waterways and making connections with other maritime nations in the region.
It also backs up India’s Mahasagar vision, which means Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. This concept aims to enhance cooperation at sea, regional security and sustainable growth.
Strengthening India-Oman defence ties
The exercise comes after the 13th meeting of the India-Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee which took place on 24th November 2025. India and Oman talked about ways of increasing their military cooperation, including military exercises.
The arrival of INS Surat in Muscat further enhances this evolving partnership. With joint exercises and patrols, both countries are trying to enhance the level of maritime security between them.