India Oman Exercise: All About Naseem Al Bahr Exercise

India Oman Exercise, Al Najah, is practiced between the military of India and Oman under the UN mandate. This military exercise is carried out to practice combat drills to tackle terrorist activities, in case they arise. The fourth edition of the India Oman Exercise was held from 1 August 2022 to 14 August 2022.

The aim of this exercise is to familiarize both nations with the operational aspects of their respective militaries to improve coordination in case of an emergency. In this article, we have shared details about the India Oman Exercise, its name, its objectives, and its significance.

About India Oman Exercise

Military exercises such as the India-Oman Exercise gives countries a chance to acquaint themselves with the operational techniques of other militaries. This can help in times of crisis and can allow better coordination in case military cooperation is required. India Oman Exercise is held frequently and consists of a set of military exercises for battalions from both countries.

In the last edition of the India Oman Exercise, the Royal Army of Oman participated with the 18th Battalion of Mechanised Infantry Regiment of India. Find more details about the exercise from the information provided below.

Name of India Oman Exercise

As per the mandate by the United Nations, India, and Oman carry out annual exercises to promote better military relations. The purpose of India Oman Exercise is also to prepare the countries to cooperate and coordinate in case of an emergency. The name of India-Oman exercises mandated by the UN are as follows:

• Al Najah military exercise
• Eastern Bridge, an air force exercise
• The Naseem Al Bahr Naval Exercise

India Oman Exercise: History

India and Oman have extended their Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on military and maritime security cooperation in the past. Here is how the India-Oman Exercise came into being.

• Trade and people-to-people connections have long been a part of the relationship between the Republic of India and the Sultanate of Oman.
• Along with trade, the India-Oman relationship is bolstered by several defense and cultural cooperation agreements.
• India Oman Exercise is an attempt at improving trust between the two countries.
• The renewal of the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on military cooperation and maritime problems has recently made headlines in India-Oman ties.

India Oman Relationship

The India Oman Exercise is representative of the good relations between the two countries. Geographically, historically, and culturally, India and Oman are linked and enjoy warm and cordial relations. Historical maritime trade links to the Royal family of Oman are also contributing factors to the healthy India Oman relationship.

India Oman Exercise: Defence Cooperation

India-Oman Exercise is only a part of the relationship between the two countries. Oman is India's oldest defense partner in West Asia and has anti-piracy efforts. While Oman has received weapons from India, India is also exploring establishing a defense manufacturing facility in Oman. India and Oman participate in biannual bilateral exercises:

• Al Najah military exercise
• The Naseem Al Bahr Naval Exercise
• Eastern Bridge, an air force exercise

India Oman Exercise: Maritime Cooperation

• India Oman military exercise consists of Al Bahr, which is a naval exercise.
• Oman is located near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for one-fifth of India's oil imports.
• Oman's grant of dock rights to Indian ships is critical for the Indian Navy's anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
• In 2018, India inked an agreement with Oman to gain access to the port of Duqm, and India-Oman relations were strengthened.
• In the Western and Southern Indian Oceans, India cooperates closely with Oman to increase its strategic depth and bolster its Indo-Pacific strategy.

India Oman Exercise: Significance

India Oman Exercise is a way for the militaries of the two countries to connect and cooperate with each other. Geographically, historically, and culturally, the two countries across the Arabian Sea are linked and enjoy strong and cordial relations related to past maritime trading links.

• While India and Oman have had people-to-people interaction for over 5000 years, diplomatic relations were established in 1955.
• The relationship was upgraded to Strategic Partnership status in 2008. Therefore, maintaining India-Oman relations is crucial.
• Oman has played an essential role in India's West Asia policy.
• The Sultanate of Oman is a significant interlocutor at the Gulf Cooperation Council, Arab League, and Indian Ocean Rim Association fora and a strategic partner of India in the Gulf.
• Through the India-Oman exercise, the two countries aim to promote peace in the region.

FAQs on India Oman Exercise

Q1. What is India Oman Exercise?

India Oman Exercise is a set of military exercises conducted annually for the militaries of both countries. The purpose of India Oman exercise is to boost partnership and cooperation in times of crisis. This exercise also gives both countries the chance to understand each other’s military operations.

Q2. What is the name of India Oman exercise?

India Oman exercise is conducted annually for the militaries of India and Oman. The names of the India Oman exercises are as follows:

• Al Najah military exercise
• Eastern Bridge, an air force exercise
• The Naseem Al Bahr Naval Exercise

Q3. Why is India Oman exercise held?

India Oman Exercise is held to help the militaries of the two countries get acquainted with each others’ military procedures. Both countries have historically wanted to promote peace and so, this exercise gives them a chance to establish mutual trust.

Q4. What is the Naseem Al Bahr Naval Exercise?

Since 1993, the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman have conducted Naseem-Al-Bahr (Sea Breeze), a bilateral naval exercise. This exercise is being carried out by the Indian Navy ships Beas and Subhadra and the Omani Navy ships RNOV Al Rasikh and RNOV Kassab.