Signifying close defence ties between the two countries,  Indian naval ships Tir, Shardul and Indian Coast Guard Ship Veera of First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy on long range training deployment arrived at Muscat, Oman on Saturday, navy said here on Sunday.

Giving details, officials said during the visit from October five to nine, the Indian Navy will engage with Royal Navy of Oman on various aspects of maritime security and interoperability, including harbour interactions and joint exercises. The deployment will also focus on training exchanges, professional interactions and friendly sports fixtures between the two Navies.

 In the last ten years, this is the third visit of 1TS to Muscat, Oman. These interactions play a key role in consolidating gains in Naval cooperation and keeping the existing partnerships between both the Navies.

Coinciding with the visit of 1TS, Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command will be on an official visit to Sultanate of Oman from October six and nine.

During the visit, FOCINC South will hold bilateral discussions with Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi, ,Chief of Staff of Sultan’s Armed Forces (COSSAF) and Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsen Al -Rahbi, Commander of Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO). He will also visit key defence and training installations in Oman.

Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman engage with each other on avenues of operations, training and collaborative efforts in various fields. Recently, the sixth edition of Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman Staff talks were held in June at New Delhi. The visit of 1TS and the CinC, SNC further cement bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.