The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 5th edition of India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH.
Exercise Al Najah 2024
The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 5th edition of India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 13th to 26th September 2024 at Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman. Exercise AL NAJAH has been held biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman. Last edition of the same exercise was conducted at Mahajan in Rajasthan.
The Indian Army contingent comprising 60 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment along with personnel from other arms and services. The Royal Army of Oman contingent also comprising of 60 personnel will be represented by the troops of Frontier Force.
Aim
Aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will focus on operations in the Desert environment.
Exercise Eastern Bridge VII
An IAF contingent comprising MiG-29s, Jaguars and C-17s is ready to set course to participate in Exercise Eastern Bridge in Oman. This is the seventh edition of the Exercise that is scheduled from 11 to 22 September 2024 at Air Force base Masirah, Oman.
India-Oman Relationships
The two countries across the Arabian Sea are linked by geography, history and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations, which are attributed to historical maritime trade linkages. The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India in the Gulf and an important interlocutor at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) fora. The Joint Military Cooperation Committee is the highest forum of engagement between India and Oman in the field of defence.
Military Exercises:
Army exercise: Al Najah
Air Force exercise: Eastern Bridge
Naval Exercise: Naseem Al Bahr
Oman is at the gateway of Strait of Hormuz through which India imports one-fifth of its oil imports.
Defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar for the robust India-Oman strategic partnership. Defence exchanges are guided by a Framework MOU which was recently renewed in 2021.
