The bilateral engagement involves harbour and sea phases following the arrival of INS Surat in Muscat, paired with a subsequent Coordinated Patrol. Securing these waters is paramount for protecting regional supply chains and India's vital oil shipments. The operations integrate with ongoing missions like Operation Urja Suraksha to deter hostile acts against commercial shipping. Bilateral ties are further complemented by multinational partnerships aimed at combating illicit maritime activity across the Indian Ocean.
Key points
Maritime cooperation between India and Oman focuses on safeguarding critical trade lanes…: Maritime cooperation between India and Oman focuses on safeguarding critical trade lanes from piracy and conflict.
The Indian Navy utilizes targeted operations like Operation Urja Suraksha to protect merc…: The Indian Navy utilizes targeted operations like Operation Urja Suraksha to protect merchant vessels transporting crude oil imports.
India is actively expanding its naval presence through multinational task forces such as…: India is actively expanding its naval presence through multinational task forces such as Combined Task Force 150 and CTF 154.
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A large share of India's crude oil imports and exports passes through the Arabian Sea and the western Indian Ocean. Any disruption in these waters can quickly affect freight rates, insurance costs and supply chains.
Against this backdrop, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Surat arrived in Muscat, Oman, on November 8 to participate in the 15th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr, followed by a Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) with the Royal Navy of Oman.
The exercise includes harbour and sea phases, with cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting events. The aim is to allow personnel from both navies to exchange operational experience and best practices, improve interoperability and strengthen mutual understanding.
The port call is in line with the government's MAHASAGAR vision, short for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. It also builds on the 13th meeting of the India-Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee, held on November 24, 2025.
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The western maritime approaches connect India's ports with the Gulf, the Red Sea, Europe and the east coast…
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