JUBAIL, 26 August 2007 — A beautifully decorated and illuminated INS Rajput was the cynosure of all eyes. Docked in the Jubail commercial port, the well-equipped warship was the venue for a get together that saw dignitaries coming all the way from Riyadh. They included the South African ambassador, military attaches from several countries and top Saudi naval officials including Rear Adm. Saleh S. Al-Mosallam.

Indian Ambassador M.O.H. Farooq, Charge d’Affaires Rajiv Shahare, Defense Attaché Col. R.S. Yadav and other embassy officials were on board. “We have always appreciated our maritime neighbors and are always available to our friends,’’ said the ambassador.

Later the Indian Navy crew visited the Royal Saudi Naval Base at Al-Jubail and interacted with the naval personnel there. They also visited the Saudi ARAMCO Exhibit and Prince Sultan Center for Technical Education at Dammam which showcases the state-of-the-art technology acquired by the Kingdom and its zest for inculcating the scientific temper in the younger generation.

The INS Rajput and INS Betwa were visited by over 2,500 Indian students and expatriates from Riyadh, Dammam and Jubail. It was indeed a fascinating and learning experience for the children. “This is the first time that I am standing inside a warship,” exclaimed an excited Muhammad Ahmed, a grade eight student. Syed Abdul Latif, a grade 10 student, was overawed by the complexity of the ship.

“Following their visit to the ships, we may see an increase in children wanting to join the Indian Navy,” said Col. Yadav. “Such a goodwill visit is a great boost to the Indian diaspora. At the same time it gives an opportunity of showcasing India,” said Shoaib Qureshy, an official working in the library of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. India Forum and the International Indian School, Jubail hosted special functions for the crew.

A reception hosted by the Indian ambassador also provided an opportunity for the officers of India and Saudi Arabia to share their feelings. While the ambassador categorically said that India would always be willing to share its expertise in all fields with the Kingdom, it was heartening to listen to officers of both countries saying they were more than eager to train with each other and carry forward the age-old bonds of friendship.

INS Rajput and INS Betwa concluded their five-day goodwill visit on Saturday with a series of joint naval exercises.