India and Oman Hold 15th Naseem Al Bahr Naval Exercise

The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman conducted the 15th edition of the bilateral naval exercise Naseem Al Bahr in Oman. Accounts differ on its dates: one places the exercise in the Al Batinah maritime area from November 9 to 12, 2026, while others give November 8 to 11, beginning in Muscat.

Exercise phases and activities

INS Surat arrived in Muscat on November 8 to participate. The Royal Navy of Oman's vessel Al-Mu'azzar joined it in the sea phase. The harbour phase included Subject Matter Expert Exchanges on Explosive Ordnance Disposal, mine countermeasure operations and hydrography. Sea-phase activities included Visit, Board, Search and Seizure drills and cross-deck operations to enhance interoperability.

Maritime cooperation

A Coordinated Patrol between the two navies was scheduled to follow the exercise. Naseem Al Bahr aims to strengthen professional cooperation, mutual understanding and the maritime partnership between India and Oman. The engagement aligns with India's MAHASAGAR vision: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

Important Facts for Exams

• Past exercise assets: In 2022, participating Indian assets included INS Trikand and a Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft, alongside Omani ships and an Omani Hawk aircraft.
• Exercise origins: The first edition of Naseem Al Bahr took place in 1993, predating the countries’ later institutionalised defence-cooperation framework.
• Duqm logistics access: A 2018 agreement allows Indian military vessels to use Oman’s Duqm port for logistical support and maintenance, extending access beyond routine port calls.
• Patrol-command distinction: Unlike a combined patrol under one command, a coordinated patrol generally has each navy patrol its own maritime zone while coordinating schedules and procedures.