In keeping with the ongoing thrust on bolstering military ties with the Gulf countries, India on Monday kicked off the inaugural edition of the “Sada Tanseeq” military exercise with Saudi Arabia, while Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane is now headed for Oman to consolidate bilateral defence cooperation.

The Sada Tanseeq exercise, which will continue till February 10 at the Mahajan ranges in Rajasthan, is being conducted between contingents from the Royal Saudi Land Forces and a battalion from the Brigade of the Guards (mechanised infantry), Times of India reported.

“The aim is to train troops for joint operations in semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the UN charter. The exercise will enable the two contingents to share their best practices in the tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting operations in the sub-conventional domain,” an Officer said.

The exercise, which will facilitate interoperability and camaraderie, will include setting up of mobile vehicle check-posts, cordon and search operations, house-intervention drills, reflex shootings, slithering and sniper firing.

“It will act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives, enhance the level of defence cooperation and foster bilateral relations between the two friendly nations,” the Officer added.

On 21-25 May 2023, India and Saudi Arabia conducted their first naval joint exercise “Al-Mohad Al-Hindi”. The exercise aims to perform tactical manoeuvres, search and rescue operations and an electronic warfare exercise to enhance interoperability.

In another development, the Indian Defence Secretary, arrived on a two-day trip to Oman Tuesday to co-chair the 12th joint military cooperation committee meeting with his counterpart Dr. Mohammed bin Naseer bin Ali Al-Zaabi.

“He will review the bilateral defence cooperation and explore new initiatives like industrial collaboration to further strengthen engagements. The two sides will also exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest,” an Official said.

“The visit will further consolidate defence cooperation and strategic partnership between the two countries, spanning every sphere of military collaboration like bilateral exercises, staff talks, training programmes as well as new and emerging areas. The two countries have a common interest in peace and prosperity of the entire region,” he added.