In recent news, India and Saudi Arabia have launched their inaugural Naval joint exercise named the Al-Mohed Al-Hindi. The decision to embark on this bilateral exercise was taken during the Riyadh Summit back in 2019. This article provides a detailed analysis of the key elements of this exercise, its aims and significance.
The Involvement of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kochi
A prominent participant in this joint exercise is the Indian Naval Ship, INS Kochi. As the second ship from the Kolkata-class stealth guided-missile destroyers, INS Kochi boasts of impressive credentials built under the codename Project 15A. Used as a ‘Network of Networks’, it is equipped with cutting-edge digital networks along with top-notch weapons and sensors designed to neutralize any form of maritime threat.
Exercise Components
The Al-Mohed Al-Hindi exercise entails several coastal and sea-based activities that will take place between the two navies. The main objective is to implement tactical manoeuvres, search and rescue operations, and an electronic warfare drill designed to facilitate interoperability.
The Underlying Aim
The aim of the joint naval exercise is not just for show. It seeks to shore up tactical manoeuvres while enhancing search and rescue operations, all the while driving forward an electronic warfare drill that would help strengthen interoperability.
Significance of the Exercise
The Al-Mohed Al-Hindi carries significant meaning in terms of defense ties between India and Saudi Arabia. At a time when developments in the Gulf region are shifting dynamically, this exercise will showcase the deep-rooted defence ties between the two nations, bolstering security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Other Major Indian Maritime Exercises
Several other maritime exercises have been carried out by India with different countries, signifying its increasing presence in global naval diplomacy. Some of these include SLINEX with Sri Lanka, Bongosagar and IN-BN CORPAT with Bangladesh, JIMEX with Japan, Naseem-Al-Bahr with Oman, Indra with Russia, Za’ir-Al-Bahr with Qatar, Samudra Shakti with Indonesia, Indo-Thai CORPAT with Thailand, IMCOR with Malaysia, SIMBEX with Singapore, AUSINDEX with Australia, and the famous Malabar Exercise with Japan and the United States.
Indeed, the first ever Al-Mohed Al-Hindi exercise marks another step forward for India’s active engagement within the naval fraternity. As it continues to collaborate with global forces through a variety of tactical engagements, India is undoubtedly carving out its own distinctive footprint on the international maritime stage.
