In a move to enhance bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia, 76 trainees from King Fahad Naval Academy of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) joined the First Training Squadron, 1TS, of the Indian Navy at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi for a four-week training program. This is the second batch of RSNF trainees to undergo training with 1TS, with the first batch completing their training in May-June 2023. The trainees were welcomed warmly by Senior Officer 1TS, Captain Anshul Kishore, during an inaugural address that outlined the curriculum for the training program. The program includes basic seamanship activities, simulator-based training during the harbor phase, and practical exposure to life at sea during the sea phase. The trainees will also have the opportunity to participate in sail training onboard the sail training ship of 1TS.
This afloat attachment of RSNF trainees is being conducted alongside Indian Naval trainees from the 107 Integrated Officers Training Course (IOTC), fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding between the trainees of both maritime nations. The bilateral training cooperation between the Indian and Saudi Arabian Navies is a testament to the longstanding friendship and shared commitment between India and Saudi Arabia. Indeed, Admiral Fahad Abdullah S Al-Ghofaily, Chief of Staff, RSNF, had visited the Southern Naval Command in January as part of his official visit to India, underscoring the significance of this bilateral relationship.
India and Saudi Arabia Officials
The training program is a direct result of the warming of ties between India and Saudi Arabia in recent years. As two major maritime nations, cooperation between their navies is essential not only for strengthening their bilateral relations but also for promoting peace and security in the region. By providing training opportunities to each other’s naval personnel, the two countries are investing in a stronger, more cohesive relationship that will serve them well in the years to come.
The training program is a significant development in the bilateral relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of maritime cooperation as a key element of their partnership. As the two nations continue to navigate the complex global terrain, their commitment to strengthening their bilateral ties will undoubtedly serve as a stabilizing force in the region.
