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This deployment is part of India’s broader strategy to deepen military and maritime relations with Gulf nations
As part of its Long Range Training Deployment in the Persian Gulf, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tir and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Veera of the First Training Squadron (1TS) arrived at the Port of Manama, Bahrain, on October 12, 2024.
The visit is focused on enhancing naval cooperation and increasing interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces (RBNF). This deployment includes a variety of professional interactions and joint exercises.
The visit of 1TS to Bahrain is aimed at deepening bilateral relations through collaborative maritime operations. Professional exchanges, cross-ship visits, and joint training sessions are scheduled, along with activities designed to foster camaraderie, including yoga sessions, band performances, friendly sports competitions, and community welfare initiatives.
One of the key events during the visit is a coordination meeting between operational teams from both navies to plan a Maritime Partnership Exercise, aimed at enhancing joint operational capabilities and shared best practices. Moreover, the Indian Navy’s sea trainees will visit various RBNF training facilities to gain insights into the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces’ operational framework, further building their maritime skills and knowledge.
In addition to bilateral engagements with Bahrain, the visit also includes interaction with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) based in Bahrain. India has been an associate partner of the CMF since 2022, collaborating on maritime security efforts across the Western Indian Ocean.
Simultaneous Engagement in UAE
While INS Tir and ICGS Veera are in Bahrain, INS Shardul, another ship of the First Training Squadron, arrived at Port Rashid in Dubai, UAE. Received by officials from the Indian Embassy and the UAE Navy, the visit aims to enhance defence cooperation through a variety of harbour interactions and joint training activities. This deployment is part of India’s broader strategy to deepen military and maritime relations with Gulf nations, with a focus on training, interoperability, and shared security goals.
The engagements in both Bahrain and the UAE are not limited to military cooperation but extend to fostering socio-political and cultural ties. Indian naval officers will interact with their counterparts in both countries, discussing ways to further strengthen defence and maritime relationships while ensuring the safety and security of the vital sea lanes in the Persian Gulf. These discussions will address key areas of cooperation, including joint maritime exercises, operational readiness, and exchange of best practices.
Strategic Importance of the Gulf Region
The First Training Squadron’s visit to Bahrain and UAE is part of a broader naval initiative aimed at maintaining India’s strategic presence in the Persian Gulf. The region holds immense geopolitical significance due to its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which a large percentage of the world’s oil supply passes. Ensuring the safety and security of these sea lanes is a priority for India, particularly given the nation’s dependence on energy imports from the Gulf.
This deployment follows recent port visits to Oman, including a visit to Muscat on October 9, 2024, during which the Indian Navy engaged extensively with the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO). The Muscat visit was an important step in strengthening bilateral defence ties, with discussions centered on joint training, increased engagement, and enhanced interoperability between the Indian and Omani navies.
During their Oman visit, Indian Naval Ships Tir and Shardul, along with ICGS Veera, participated in a range of activities, including cross-deck visits, joint exercises, and interactions aimed at sharing best practices in maritime operations. The sea trainees of 1TS also visited various RNO training facilities, including the Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy, where they gained firsthand experience in advanced naval training techniques. Additionally, cultural exchanges, including a performance by the Indian Naval Symphonic Band at Oman Avenues Mall, helped foster goodwill between the two nations.
Building on Previous Successes
The First Training Squadron’s visit to the Persian Gulf, which also included stops in Iran and Oman, represents a continuation of India’s efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation across the region. In Iran, the 1TS ships visited the port city of Bandar Abbas, where Indian and Iranian naval personnel participated in professional exchanges, joint exercises, and friendly sports fixtures. This visit to Iran further consolidated India’s naval partnerships in the Persian Gulf, contributing to greater stability in the region.
The deployment of the First Training Squadron to multiple Gulf nations highlights India’s commitment to securing maritime interests while fostering diplomatic ties. The sea trainees on board these ships are being exposed to diverse training environments, preparing them for future roles in ensuring the nation’s maritime security.
The ongoing Long Range Training Deployment of the First Training Squadron to Bahrain and UAE underscores the Indian Navy’s role in promoting regional stability, enhancing defence cooperation, and fostering goodwill. With a strong focus on building long-term partnerships and ensuring the safety of global sea lanes, these visits mark an important step in strengthening India’s maritime diplomacy in the Gulf.
The visit is focused on enhancing naval cooperation and increasing interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces (RBNF). This deployment includes a variety of professional interactions and joint exercises.
The visit of 1TS to Bahrain is aimed at deepening bilateral relations through collaborative maritime operations. Professional exchanges, cross-ship visits, and joint training sessions are scheduled, along with activities designed to foster camaraderie, including yoga sessions, band performances, friendly sports competitions, and community welfare initiatives.
One of the key events during the visit is a coordination meeting between operational teams from both navies to plan a Maritime Partnership Exercise, aimed at enhancing joint operational capabilities and shared best practices. Moreover, the Indian Navy’s sea trainees will visit various RBNF training facilities to gain insights into the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces’ operational framework, further building their maritime skills and knowledge.
In addition to bilateral engagements with Bahrain, the visit also includes interaction with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) based in Bahrain. India has been an associate partner of the CMF since 2022, collaborating on maritime security efforts across the Western Indian Ocean.
Simultaneous Engagement in UAE
While INS Tir and ICGS Veera are in Bahrain, INS Shardul, another ship of the First Training Squadron, arrived at Port Rashid in Dubai, UAE. Received by officials from the Indian Embassy and the UAE Navy, the visit aims to enhance defence cooperation through a variety of harbour interactions and joint training activities. This deployment is part of India’s broader strategy to deepen military and maritime relations with Gulf nations, with a focus on training, interoperability, and shared security goals.
The engagements in both Bahrain and the UAE are not limited to military cooperation but extend to fostering socio-political and cultural ties. Indian naval officers will interact with their counterparts in both countries, discussing ways to further strengthen defence and maritime relationships while ensuring the safety and security of the vital sea lanes in the Persian Gulf. These discussions will address key areas of cooperation, including joint maritime exercises, operational readiness, and exchange of best practices.
Strategic Importance of the Gulf Region
The First Training Squadron’s visit to Bahrain and UAE is part of a broader naval initiative aimed at maintaining India’s strategic presence in the Persian Gulf. The region holds immense geopolitical significance due to its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which a large percentage of the world’s oil supply passes. Ensuring the safety and security of these sea lanes is a priority for India, particularly given the nation’s dependence on energy imports from the Gulf.
This deployment follows recent port visits to Oman, including a visit to Muscat on October 9, 2024, during which the Indian Navy engaged extensively with the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO). The Muscat visit was an important step in strengthening bilateral defence ties, with discussions centered on joint training, increased engagement, and enhanced interoperability between the Indian and Omani navies.
During their Oman visit, Indian Naval Ships Tir and Shardul, along with ICGS Veera, participated in a range of activities, including cross-deck visits, joint exercises, and interactions aimed at sharing best practices in maritime operations. The sea trainees of 1TS also visited various RNO training facilities, including the Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy, where they gained firsthand experience in advanced naval training techniques. Additionally, cultural exchanges, including a performance by the Indian Naval Symphonic Band at Oman Avenues Mall, helped foster goodwill between the two nations.
Building on Previous Successes
The First Training Squadron’s visit to the Persian Gulf, which also included stops in Iran and Oman, represents a continuation of India’s efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation across the region. In Iran, the 1TS ships visited the port city of Bandar Abbas, where Indian and Iranian naval personnel participated in professional exchanges, joint exercises, and friendly sports fixtures. This visit to Iran further consolidated India’s naval partnerships in the Persian Gulf, contributing to greater stability in the region.
The deployment of the First Training Squadron to multiple Gulf nations highlights India’s commitment to securing maritime interests while fostering diplomatic ties. The sea trainees on board these ships are being exposed to diverse training environments, preparing them for future roles in ensuring the nation’s maritime security.
The ongoing Long Range Training Deployment of the First Training Squadron to Bahrain and UAE underscores the Indian Navy’s role in promoting regional stability, enhancing defence cooperation, and fostering goodwill. With a strong focus on building long-term partnerships and ensuring the safety of global sea lanes, these visits mark an important step in strengthening India’s maritime diplomacy in the Gulf.
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