Initial orientation carried out for Indo-Oman joint military

Troops of Indian and Oman armies were today given security briefing ahead of their second joint exercise "Al Nagah-II 2017" in Bakloh belt of Himachal Pradesh.
"Initial orientation and security briefing were carried out. It also included the training aspects and area familiarisation," PRO Defence, Jammu, Lt Col Manish Mehta said.
The 14-day joint exercise will begin tomorrow in the Dhauladhar Ranges at Bakloh.
"This is the second joint military exercise between the two countries which have a history of extensive cooperation in defence arena. The first one was held in Oman in January 2015," he said.
The PRO said the participating troops for this exercise have been drawn from one infantry battalion each from the Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman.

About 60 troops from both countries will participate in the exercise, he added.

"The aim of the exercise is to build and promote bilateral army-to-army relations and enhance interoperability while exchanging skills and experiences," Mehta said.
The Indian troops have undergone extensive training on rock craft, slithering, counter-terrorism or low intensity conflict operations in addition to tactical drills of close cordon and house intervention drills to fulfil the mandate of the joint exercise, he said.
The vast experience and expertise gained by Indian troops in counter-insurgency operations holds special importance for the Royal Army of Oman. The conduct of the joint exercise would therefore set the stage for greater defence cooperation between the two nations, the Lt Col said.