India, Saudi Arabia bolster defence ties through Naval training programme in Kochi

New Delhi, June 26: In bolstering the defence ties between India and Saudi Arabia, 76 trainees from the King Fahad Naval Academy of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) joined the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy at Southern Naval Command in Kochi on June 24.

This marks the second batch of Saudi trainees to undergo training with 1TS, following a similar program completed by the first batch in May-June 2023.

Senior Officer of 1TS, Captain Anshul Kishore, extended a warm welcome to the trainees during the inaugural address, outlining the four-week-long training program. The curriculum includes basic seamanship activities and simulator-based training during the harbour phase, while the sea phase offers practical exposure to the nuances of life at sea. Additionally, the trainees will be familiarised with sail training aboard 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 collaboration follows the visit of Admiral Fahad Abdullah S Al-Ghofaily, Chief of Staff of RSNF, to Southern Naval Command in January 2024 during his official visit to India.

The bilateral training cooperation between the two navies highlights the longstanding friendship and shared commitment between India and Saudi Arabia. This partnership is not limited to defence but extends to various other fields, including economic cooperation, energy, and technology.