Indian and Saudi navies to conduct joint exercises today

The Saudi and Indian navies will conduct joint exercises here on Thursday as part of the two nations’ upgraded defense pact signed earlier this year.
The Indian Navy Ship (INS) Tir and INS Sujata arrived in Jubail on Oct. 20.
Hamid Ali Rao, the Indian ambassador, said at a press conference on board the INS Tir on Tuesday that the foundation of the military ties between the two countries was laid during the visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to India in 2006. It was further strengthened during the visit of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Saudi Arabia in 2010.
The Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony followed it up by visiting Riyadh in 2012 and formalized relations through the establishment of a Joint Committee on Defense Cooperation (JCDC), said Rao.
“The JCDC, comprising senior figures from both countries met subsequently in New Delhi. It was only natural that our shared military relations proceeded to the next higher level. This was achieved in February this year through the visit of Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and defense minister, to Delhi to sign a landmark agreement on defense cooperation.”
Rao said that the agreement provides for training, production and joint operations. “I am sanguine that against this backdrop our great countries will seek greater convergence and cooperation in various facets of military cooperation in the future.”
Rao said that Saudi officers are undergoing training at Indian military institutions, while Indian officers are conducting regular tours of Saudi Arabia in their quest for shared learning.
He said that Saudi officers are regular visitors to Indian defense exhibitions and shows. “I remain assured that we shall continue to work together to strengthen our relations in future.” Indian officers also met senior Saudi Naval officers including the commander of King Abdul Aziz Naval Base and the commandant of King Fahad Naval Academy.
Teams from both sides have played friendly football matches and hosted receptions for each other. Saudi and Indian school students have visited the ships.