Naval Bonds Deepen
New Delhi
Indian Naval warships INS Tamal and INS Surat completed their port call at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on August 30, underscoring growing maritime cooperation between the two nations. The ships also conducted a Passage Exercise with Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) Corvette HMS Jazan before resuming deployment.
During the stay, the vessels engaged with Saudi naval forces and the Border Guard through sports events, personnel interactions, and cultural exchanges. The Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, visited INS Tamal on August 28. Commanding officers of both ships also met senior Saudi naval and border commanders to discuss non-traditional security threats in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Joint operations and enhanced information sharing were highlighted as priorities.
A cultural programme aboard INS Tamal brought together Saudi officials, Indian diplomats, and members of the diaspora. Officials said the visit strengthened defence collaboration and paved the way for future naval engagements.
Earlier, INS Tamal received a warm welcome as the Navy’s newest stealth frigate arrived at Jeddah on August 27 during its voyage from Russia, post-commissioning. Before Jeddah, the ship visited Greece’s Souda Bay, where its crew interacted with the Hellenic Navy, NATO officers, and US Navy representatives. Discussions focused on operational cooperation, and Indian crew also visited the Italian Navy’s amphibious assault ship ITS Trieste.
The visits reflect India’s commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and partnership with friendly navies across the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean.
