The Indian Navy has continued its maritime engagement with Oman with the arrival of frontline destroyer INS Ranvijay at Salalah. The ship’s port call is part of its ongoing deployment and has brought Indian and Omani naval personnel together for a series of professional engagements.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Ranvijay met the Commander of Oman’s Southern Naval Area. The interaction provided an opportunity for senior naval representatives to engage on matters connected with the continuing relationship between the two maritime forces.
INS Ranvijay also conducted professional engagements with RNOV Sadh of the Royal Navy of Oman. The interaction was followed by a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) involving the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman in waters off Salalah.
PASSEX activities are conducted to facilitate interaction and coordination between naval forces during deployments. The exercise off Salalah added a practical maritime component to the ship’s port visit and allowed personnel from the two navies to operate together at sea.
The latest engagement comes against the backdrop of regular defence and maritime interactions between India and Oman. Both countries have maintained contact through military exchanges, naval visits and other defence-related engagements.
The Indian Navy’s Salalah deployment also follows a visit by a high-level National Defence College (NDC) delegation to Oman earlier in September. The delegation undertook a Strategic Neighbourhood Study Tour and held discussions with Omani authorities and institutions on bilateral and security-related matters.
For the Indian Navy, the interaction with the Royal Navy of Oman adds another operational engagement to its ongoing deployments in the region. For Oman, the visit provides an opportunity for continued professional contact with one of India’s frontline naval platforms.
The port call and PASSEX off Salalah therefore form part of the continuing naval interaction between India and Oman, with both sides maintaining regular professional engagements at sea and during port visits.
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