New Delhi, Sept. 19 : Indian Naval Ships Deepak, Delhi, Tabar and Trishul entered Muscat on Saturday and shall remain there till September 22. The ships are part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet based at Mumbai and are on a long range deployment to the Persian Gulf to enhance bilateral ties with friendly regional navies.
During the visit, the warships will have professional interactions with the defence forces for enhancing co-operation and sharing the nuances of naval operations including disaster management and combating maritime threats of terrorism and piracy.
Apart from professional interactions, sports and social engagements are also planned, which are aimed at enhancing co-operation and understanding between the Navies.
Bilateral relations between India and Oman were formally established with the 1953 Indo-Oman Treaty of Friendship, Navigation and Commerce, a first between India and any Arab country.
India and Oman are also members of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a voluntary and co-operative initiative between 35 countries of the Indian Ocean Region, which has served as an ideal forum for sharing of information and cooperation on maritime issues.
The current visit seeks to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries in the Gulf and strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between India and Oman. (ANI)