India and Saudi Arabia are set to conduct their second joint naval exercise, ‘Al-Mohed-Al Hindi-23’, in May 2023 in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The exercise will involve tactical manoeuvres, search and rescue operations, and electronic warfare drills to enhance interoperability and cooperation between the two navies.
The first edition of the exercise was held in August 2021 off the coast of Kochi, India. It was a landmark event as it marked the first-ever bilateral naval exercise between the two countries. The decision to conduct this exercise was taken during the Riyadh Summit held in 2019, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman agreed to elevate their strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The exercise reflects the growing convergence of interests and mutual trust between India and Saudi Arabia on maritime security issues. Both countries have a shared interest in ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the Gulf region, which are vital for their trade and energy security. The exercise also demonstrates their commitment to counter-terrorism, piracy, smuggling, and other threats emanating from the sea.
The exercise will also provide an opportunity for both navies to learn from each other’s best practices and experiences. It will foster professional exchanges, joint training, and operational coordination between the naval personnel of both countries. It will also showcase their capabilities and assets such as warships, helicopters, maritime patrol aircrafts, special forces teams etc.
The exercise is expected to boost bilateral ties between India and Saudi Arabia at both political and military levels. It will also contribute to regional security and stability by sending a positive signal of cooperation and collaboration among like-minded countries. The exercise is a testament to the strong relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who want to see actual results and progress in their partnership.