India, Oman to enhance defence ties

New Delhi: India and Oman today explored ways to enhance cooperation between their navies during talks Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba had with top defence brass of the strategically important Gulf nation.

Lanba, who arrived in Oman on the second leg of his two-nation tour, called on Oman’s Defence Minister Bader al Busaidi and held extensive discussions with Commander of Royal Navy of Oman, Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi.

The two sides deliberated on ramping up cooperation between their navies in the backdrop of the fast evolving security scenario in the region, government sources said.

The Chief of Navy Staff also held talks with Chief of Royal Air Force of Oman Mattar Al Obaidani on issues of strategic interests to both the countries.

Lanba, during his two-day trip to the country, is also scheduled to visit the Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy and the Said Bin Naval Base.

On the first leg of his trip, Lanba visited UAE where he met top echelons of the country’s defence establishment and discussed ways to bolster strategic partnership between the two countries.

—–PTI