India and Oman have commenced the 15th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr, underscoring the growing strategic importance of the Arabian Sea and the western Indian Ocean for regional security and international trade.

As part of the exercise, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Surat arrived in Muscat on 8 November to participate in a series of harbour and sea-based activities with the Royal Navy of Oman. The engagement will be followed by a Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT), further strengthening operational coordination between the two naval forces.

The exercise features cross-deck visits, professional interactions and sporting events, enabling sailors from both countries to exchange operational experience, share best practices, improve interoperability and enhance mutual understanding.

The deployment also aligns with India's MAHASAGAR vision, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, while building upon the outcomes of the 13th India-Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting held on 24 November 2025.

The Arabian Sea and adjoining western Indian Ocean remain critical to India's economic and energy security. A substantial proportion of the country's crude oil imports and international trade passes through these waters. Any disruption caused by conflict, piracy or attacks on commercial shipping can rapidly increase freight costs, insurance premiums and pressure on global supply chains.

These sea lanes connect Indian ports with the Gulf region, the Red Sea, Europe and the eastern coast of Africa. The Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia are especially significant because they provide access to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, one of the world's most important maritime trade corridors linking Asia and Europe.

To safeguard these vital routes, the Indian Navy has maintained a continuous anti-piracy presence in the Gulf of Aden since 2008. In July 2026, INS Trikand responded to an attempted pirate attack on the merchant vessel MV Golden Arsenal around 300 nautical miles east-northeast of Djibouti. The warship deployed a boarding team, supported by a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, to secure the vessel and assess the situation.

The Navy also launched Operation Urja Suraksha in 2026 to protect merchant shipping and India's energy interests amid a deteriorating security environment in West Asia. The operation highlighted New Delhi's increasing focus on ensuring uninterrupted maritime commerce through strategically important waters.

India's maritime role extends beyond anti-piracy operations. Since January 2025, INS Tarkash has supported Combined Task Force 150 under the 47-nation Combined Maritime Forces. On 31 March 2025, the warship intercepted a vessel carrying more than 2,500 kg of narcotics, demonstrating India's contribution to international maritime security efforts.

The Indian Navy further expanded its multinational engagement by commanding Combined Task Force 154, the maritime training arm of the Combined Maritime Forces, for eight months before handing over leadership in Bahrain on 14 October 2026. During its tenure, the Navy oversaw training and capacity-building initiatives involving personnel from 39 countries.

India has also strengthened partnerships across Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region. During a visit to Maputo in March 2026, INS Trikand conducted joint exercises with the Mozambique Navy and later undertook joint surveillance of Mozambique's exclusive economic zone with local naval personnel embarked.

Similarly, INS Sunayna's deployments under the IOS SAGAR initiative in 2025 and 2026 showcased India's commitment to regional maritime cooperation. The 2025 deployment included 44 naval personnel from nine partner countries, while the 2026 mission brought together 38 personnel from 16 nations for multinational training and operational activities across the Indian Ocean.

The Navy's long-range operational capabilities were demonstrated once again on 2 November when INS Kolkata, supported by Indian Air Force assets, rescued all 20 crew members of the Iranian fishing vessel Azini after it was hijacked by armed pirates off Somalia.

Conducted more than 3,000 km from Mumbai over a 48-hour period, the operation involved maritime surveillance, marine commandos and an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft that air-dropped additional personnel. All crew members were rescued safely without casualties.

The expanding India-Oman naval partnership reflects a broader effort by New Delhi to enhance maritime security, protect critical sea lanes, secure energy supplies and strengthen international cooperation across a region that is increasingly central to global trade and geopolitical stability.

Agencies