India–Oman Naval Exercise 2026: Naseem Al Bahr Concludes with Joint Maritime Drills
NEW DELHI, November 12, 2026: The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman have successfully concluded the 15th edition of their bilateral maritime exercise, Naseem Al Bahr 2026, strengthening naval cooperation and operational coordination between the two countries.
The exercise featured specialised professional exchanges during its harbour phase, followed by joint sea operations involving Indian Naval Ship (INS) Surat and Royal Navy of Oman vessel Al-Mu’azzar. Activities included Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills and cross-deck operations, highlighting the growing maritime partnership between India and Oman.
INS Surat and Oman’s Al-Mu’azzar Conduct Joint Naval Drills
The sea phase of Naseem Al Bahr 2026 involved INS Surat of the Indian Navy and Al-Mu’azzar of the Royal Navy of Oman.
Both naval forces participated in joint operational activities, including:
- Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS): Training focused on coordinated boarding, inspection and search procedures.
- Cross-deck operations: Naval personnel gained experience working across each other’s vessels.
- Joint maritime activities: The drills helped improve operational coordination and interoperability.
These activities provided valuable opportunities for personnel from both navies to exchange operational experience and strengthen their understanding of joint maritime procedures.
Harbour Phase Covers EOD, Mine Countermeasures and Hydrography
During the harbour phase, specialist teams from the Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman participated in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE).
The professional discussions covered three specialised areas:
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD): Techniques for identifying and handling explosive threats.
- Mine Countermeasure Operations: Methods used to detect and address naval mine threats.
- Hydrography: Maritime surveying, seabed mapping and navigational information.
These exchanges enabled both navies to share technical knowledge and operational best practices.
INS Surat Arrives in Muscat for Naseem Al Bahr 2026
INS Surat arrived in Muscat, Oman, on November 8, 2026, to participate in the 15th edition of the bilateral exercise.
The port visit provided an opportunity for naval personnel to engage in professional interactions and strengthen defence ties between the two countries.
The exercise followed the eighth edition of the India–Oman Navy Staff Talks, held in New Delhi on October 27 and 28, 2026. Discussions focused on expanding operational engagements, training, information exchange and hydrographic cooperation.
India–Oman Maritime Partnership and MAHASAGAR Vision
The exercise reflects India’s continued efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships with countries across the Indian Ocean region.
It also supports India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Through joint naval exercises, professional exchanges and maritime engagements, India and Oman aim to improve coordination and contribute to a secure and stable maritime environment.
The two countries share longstanding relations involving defence, trade, maritime security and regional cooperation.
Why Naseem Al Bahr 2026 Matters for Maritime Security
Naseem Al Bahr is an important platform for strengthening operational cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.
The exercise helps both forces:
- Improve interoperability during joint maritime operations.
- Exchange professional and technical knowledge.
- Strengthen coordination between naval personnel.
- Develop expertise in specialised maritime operations.
- Support regional maritime security and stability.
The successful conclusion of the 15th edition marks another step towards stronger India–Oman defence cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions About India–Oman Naval Exercise 2026
1. What is Naseem Al Bahr 2026?
Naseem Al Bahr 2026 is the 15th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman. The name means Sea Breeze.
2. Which Indian naval ship participated in the exercise?
Indian Naval Ship INS Surat participated in the sea phase of the exercise.
3. Which Omani naval vessel participated?
Al-Mu’azzar of the Royal Navy of Oman participated alongside INS Surat in joint operational activities.
4. What activities were conducted during Naseem Al Bahr 2026?
The exercise included VBSS drills, cross-deck operations and professional exchanges covering Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Mine Countermeasure Operations and Hydrography.
5. What does VBSS mean in naval operations?
VBSS stands for Visit, Board, Search and Seizure. It refers to procedures used by naval personnel to board and inspect vessels.
6. What is India’s MAHASAGAR vision?
MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. It represents India’s approach to strengthening regional cooperation.
7. Why is the India–Oman naval partnership important?
The partnership supports maritime security, operational coordination, defence cooperation and stability across the Indian Ocean region.
The successful conclusion of Naseem Al Bahr 2026 reinforces the growing strategic and maritime relationship between India and Oman. The exercise has provided both navies with valuable opportunities to strengthen their operational capabilities and professional cooperation.
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