- Recently, India and Saudi Arabia started their first-ever Naval joint exercise called the Al-Mohed Al-Hindi Exercise.
- The decision on this Bilateral exercise was taken in the Riyadh Summit held in 2019.
Important points:
- Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kochi is participating in the exercise. The exercise comprises several coastal and sea-based exercises between the two navies.
- INS Kochi is the second ship of Kolkata-class stealth guided-missile destroyers, which was built by the Indian Navy under the code name Project 15A.
- This ship is termed as a ‘Network of Networks’ since it is equipped with sophisticated digital networks, an array of state-of-art weapons and sensors that can neutralise any maritime threat.
- To carry out tactical manoeuvres, search and rescue operations, and an electronic warfare drill to enhance interoperability.
Significance:
- It reflects the growing defense ties between the two countries in the midst of rapidly changing developments in the Gulf region.
- It will enhance bilateral cooperation and security in the Indian ocean Region.
SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT