The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman completed the 15th edition of their bilateral maritime exercise, Naseem Al Bahr, also known as Sea Breeze. The engagement combined specialist knowledge-sharing with practical drills at sea, with the stated aims of improving interoperability, coordination and mutual understanding.
Harbour exchanges and specialist training
The exercise brought together personnel from both navies for professional exchanges and operational activities. Its two phases began with interactions in harbour and continued with practical drills at sea.
During the harbour phase, specialist teams held Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) on Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Mine Countermeasure Operations and Hydrography. EOD covers the identification, assessment and safe handling of explosive threats, while mine countermeasure work focuses on addressing the risks naval mines pose to military and commercial shipping.
The hydrography discussions covered a field concerned with surveying maritime environments, including water depths, seabed features and navigational conditions. Such information supports navigation and maritime planning.
Joint drills at sea
Indian Naval Ship INS Surat and Royal Navy of Oman vessel Al-Mu’azzar took part in the sea phase. Their activities included joint Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills and cross-deck operations.
VBSS training gives personnel practice in procedures for approaching and boarding vessels. Cross-deck operations involve the movement or exchange of personnel between naval platforms under coordinated procedures, helping crews become more familiar with one another’s practices.
INS Surat is a Visakhapatnam-class guided-missile destroyer built under Project 15B. Its participation placed an Indian Navy warship in the joint sea activities, while Al-Mu’azzar represented the Royal Navy of Oman.
India-Oman maritime cooperation
Naseem Al Bahr is a recurring platform for naval engagement between India and Oman. The exercise gives both navies opportunities to exchange operational experience, build professional relationships and practise working together.
The two countries’ maritime relationship is supported by their positions in the Indian Ocean region and their shared interest in secure sea lanes. Oman is located near the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for international trade and energy transportation.
The 15th edition also aligned with the Government of India’s MAHASAGAR vision: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The exercise’s exchanges and coordinated drills reaffirmed the two navies’ commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and contributing to regional maritime security and stability.
