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India’s defense ties with Oman are part of a broader strategy to strengthen military relationships with Gulf nations
The Indian Army contingent has departed for the 5th edition of the biennial India-Oman joint military exercise, Al Najah V, scheduled to be held from September 13 to September 26, 2024, at the Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman. This exercise is part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its military and strategic partnership with Oman, a vital Gulf ally.
The Indian contingent for Al Najah V comprises 60 personnel from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, supported by personnel from other arms and services. Similarly, the Royal Army of Oman is contributing a contingent of 60 troops from its Frontier Force. Both sides will collaborate closely over two weeks to rehearse joint tactical operations, particularly focusing on counter-terrorism measures under the provisions of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
This edition of the exercise marks a continuation of a partnership that began in 2015, alternating locations between the two countries. The previous exercise was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India. The Al Najah series is designed to improve the joint operational capabilities of the two militaries, enhancing their skills in counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and regional security operations.
The central aim of the exercise is to strengthen the ability of both nations to conduct counter-terrorism operations in a desert environment. This reflects the regional security needs of both India and Oman, where desert warfare skills are essential. As threats like terrorism evolve, both armies seek to be better prepared for joint actions that could occur in such harsh terrains.
The training during Al Najah V will include essential tactical drills such as joint planning, cordon and search operations, fighting in built-up areas, establishment of mobile vehicle checkpoints, and counter-drone strategies. These drills simulate real-world operations, providing both contingents with invaluable experience in combating terrorist threats and other asymmetrical warfare tactics.
The joint training will also emphasize room intervention techniques and combined field exercises, fostering collaboration at the tactical level. This ensures a smooth integration of troops during high-stress scenarios, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of joint missions.
By participating in these exercises, India and Oman aim to enhance their operational compatibility. Al Najah V provides a unique platform for both nations to exchange best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures, furthering their joint ability to handle complex situations involving counterterrorism.
India’s defense ties with Oman are part of a broader strategy to strengthen military relationships with Gulf nations. These ties have grown in recent years, demonstrated by high-level diplomatic engagements, like the recent India-GCC Foreign Ministers’ Summit. At this summit, India underscored its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the Gulf nations on defense and security issues, an increasingly important agenda in the region.
Oman is a key strategic partner for India in the Gulf, given its geographic importance and its location at the gateway to the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is critical for India, as nearly one-fifth of its oil imports pass through these waters. Therefore, Oman’s stability and security are closely linked to India’s economic and energy interests.
Al Najah V is just one facet of India's growing military collaboration with Oman. Concurrently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is engaged in the 7th edition of the bilateral exercise "Eastern Bridge VII" with the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). This exercise, which commenced on September 11, 2024, at the Masirah Air Base in Oman, focuses on enhancing the operational readiness and interoperability of both air forces.
The IAF contingent, comprising MiG-29s, Jaguars, and C-17s, is participating in joint training missions involving complex aerial maneuvers and air-to-ground operations. The scope of this exercise underlines the growing air defense collaboration between the two countries.
On the naval front, India and Oman have also strengthened their ties. Earlier this year, the sixth edition of the Indian Navy-Royal Navy of Oman Staff Talks took place, focusing on addressing shared maritime security challenges. These talks emphasized the importance of securing the Persian Gulf, a critical sea route for global trade and energy supplies. Joint naval exercises such as "Naseem-Al-Bahr" further enhance maritime interoperability, ensuring that both navies can collaborate seamlessly in times of crisis.
Oman’s strategic location at the mouth of the Persian Gulf gives it a pivotal role in regional security. India has long regarded Oman as a crucial ally, not only due to its proximity across the Arabian Sea but also because of shared historical, cultural, and economic ties. The two countries share a relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation, spanning centuries of maritime trade linkages.
The Indian contingent for Al Najah V comprises 60 personnel from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, supported by personnel from other arms and services. Similarly, the Royal Army of Oman is contributing a contingent of 60 troops from its Frontier Force. Both sides will collaborate closely over two weeks to rehearse joint tactical operations, particularly focusing on counter-terrorism measures under the provisions of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
This edition of the exercise marks a continuation of a partnership that began in 2015, alternating locations between the two countries. The previous exercise was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India. The Al Najah series is designed to improve the joint operational capabilities of the two militaries, enhancing their skills in counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and regional security operations.
The central aim of the exercise is to strengthen the ability of both nations to conduct counter-terrorism operations in a desert environment. This reflects the regional security needs of both India and Oman, where desert warfare skills are essential. As threats like terrorism evolve, both armies seek to be better prepared for joint actions that could occur in such harsh terrains.
The training during Al Najah V will include essential tactical drills such as joint planning, cordon and search operations, fighting in built-up areas, establishment of mobile vehicle checkpoints, and counter-drone strategies. These drills simulate real-world operations, providing both contingents with invaluable experience in combating terrorist threats and other asymmetrical warfare tactics.
The joint training will also emphasize room intervention techniques and combined field exercises, fostering collaboration at the tactical level. This ensures a smooth integration of troops during high-stress scenarios, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of joint missions.
By participating in these exercises, India and Oman aim to enhance their operational compatibility. Al Najah V provides a unique platform for both nations to exchange best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures, furthering their joint ability to handle complex situations involving counterterrorism.
India’s defense ties with Oman are part of a broader strategy to strengthen military relationships with Gulf nations. These ties have grown in recent years, demonstrated by high-level diplomatic engagements, like the recent India-GCC Foreign Ministers’ Summit. At this summit, India underscored its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the Gulf nations on defense and security issues, an increasingly important agenda in the region.
Oman is a key strategic partner for India in the Gulf, given its geographic importance and its location at the gateway to the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is critical for India, as nearly one-fifth of its oil imports pass through these waters. Therefore, Oman’s stability and security are closely linked to India’s economic and energy interests.
Al Najah V is just one facet of India's growing military collaboration with Oman. Concurrently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is engaged in the 7th edition of the bilateral exercise "Eastern Bridge VII" with the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). This exercise, which commenced on September 11, 2024, at the Masirah Air Base in Oman, focuses on enhancing the operational readiness and interoperability of both air forces.
The IAF contingent, comprising MiG-29s, Jaguars, and C-17s, is participating in joint training missions involving complex aerial maneuvers and air-to-ground operations. The scope of this exercise underlines the growing air defense collaboration between the two countries.
On the naval front, India and Oman have also strengthened their ties. Earlier this year, the sixth edition of the Indian Navy-Royal Navy of Oman Staff Talks took place, focusing on addressing shared maritime security challenges. These talks emphasized the importance of securing the Persian Gulf, a critical sea route for global trade and energy supplies. Joint naval exercises such as "Naseem-Al-Bahr" further enhance maritime interoperability, ensuring that both navies can collaborate seamlessly in times of crisis.
Oman’s strategic location at the mouth of the Persian Gulf gives it a pivotal role in regional security. India has long regarded Oman as a crucial ally, not only due to its proximity across the Arabian Sea but also because of shared historical, cultural, and economic ties. The two countries share a relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation, spanning centuries of maritime trade linkages.
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