Indian navy ships in Oman to strengthen bilateral ties

As part of their venture to enhance bilateral ties with regional navies in the Gulf, Indian navy shipsa Deepak, Delhi, Tabar and Trishul on Saturday reached Muscat, the capital of Oman.

The ships, part of the Indian Navy's Mumbai-based Western Fleet, will remain there till September 22.

"The current visit seeks to underscore India's peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries in the Gulf and strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between India and Oman," the defence ministry said in a statement.

During the visit, the warships will have professional interactions with the defence forces for enhancing co-operation and sharing the nuances of naval operations, including disaster management and combating maritime threats of terrorism and piracy.

Relations between India and Oman were formally established with the 1953 Indo-Oman treaty of friendship, navigation and commerce, a first between India and any Arab country.