Indian Naval warships INS Tamal and INS Surat concluded their port call at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The ships participated in a Passage Exercise with RSNF Corvette HMS Jazan and thereafter continued with their planned deployment.
According to the Naval spokesperson, during the port call, the ships engaged extensively with the Royal Saudi Naval Force and Saudi Border Guard through sports fixtures and personnel interaction. The ships also hosted the Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan, on board on 28 August.
The Commanding Officers of INS Tamal and INS Surat called on RAdm Mansour Bin Saud Al-Juaid, Western Fleet Commander of RSNF, and Maj Gen Fahad Bin Majid Al-Duajani, Commander of the Royal Saudi Border Guard in the Mecca Region.
Both sides deliberated on non-traditional security challenges in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean Region. The need for joint operations and extensive information sharing was recognised by both sides.
INS Tamal hosted a cultural programme onboard, which was attended by senior Saudi officials, functionaries from the Embassy of India in Riyadh, and eminent members of the Indian diaspora.
The visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening defence collaboration and friendly ties with Saudi Arabia. It also provided an opportunity for both navies to share Best Practices and explore avenues for further engagements, the spokesperson stated.