INS Surat Participates in India–Oman Naval Exercise Naseem Al Bahr 2026
- By Sanjay Kumar
- 10 Nov 2026, 15:04 IST
- 3 min read
Key points
Why in the News?
The Indian Navy's guided-missile destroyer INS Surat arrived at Muscat, Oman, on 8 November 2026 to participate in the 15th edition of the bilateral naval exercise Naseem Al Bahr 2026, conducted between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.
The exercise, scheduled from 8–11 November 2026, aims to strengthen maritime security cooperation, enhance operational interoperability and improve coordination between the two navies.
The naval engagement will be followed by a Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) to strengthen maritime surveillance and security cooperation in the Arabian Sea region.
About Exercise Naseem Al Bahr 2026
Naseem Al Bahr, meaning Sea Breeze, is a bilateral maritime exercise conducted between India and Oman.
The exercise promotes professional cooperation, joint operational readiness and the exchange of maritime expertise between the two countries.
Key Details:
Exercise Name: Naseem Al Bahr 2026.
Edition: 15th.
Participating Countries: India and Oman.
Participating Forces: Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman.
Indian Naval Ship: INS Surat.
Location: Muscat, Oman.
Exercise Schedule: 8–11 November 2026.
Main Objective: Strengthening maritime cooperation and operational interoperability.
Major Activities During the Exercise
The naval exercise includes two major operational phases.
1. Harbour Phase
The harbour phase focuses on professional interaction and cooperation between naval personnel.
Major activities include:
Cross-deck visits between participating warships.
Professional and operational discussions.
Exchange of naval experiences and best practices.
Sporting and cultural interactions.
Coordination for subsequent maritime operations.
2. Sea Phase
The sea phase focuses on improving operational coordination and joint maritime capabilities.
Activities include:
Joint maritime manoeuvres.
Operational coordination between naval units.
Maritime communication and tactical procedures.
Interoperability training.
Exchange of operational experience.
Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)
Following the naval exercise, the Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman will conduct a Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT).
CORPAT involves coordinated maritime patrol activities by participating navies to strengthen surveillance, information-sharing and cooperation in areas of mutual maritime interest.
The patrol aims to:
Improve maritime domain awareness.
Strengthen coordination between naval forces.
Support regional maritime security.
Improve information-sharing and operational cooperation.
Enhance preparedness against maritime security challenges.
About INS Surat
INS Surat is an indigenously built guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy.
It is the fourth and final warship of the Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) stealth guided-missile destroyer programme.
The warship was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, and commissioned into the Indian Navy on 15 January 2025.
INS Surat is equipped with advanced sensors, missile systems and modern combat technologies designed for multiple maritime operations.
Its participation in Naseem Al Bahr reflects India's growing indigenous naval capabilities and commitment to regional maritime cooperation.
Significance for India–Oman Relations
India and Oman share strong historical, economic and strategic relations, particularly in maritime trade and defence cooperation.
Oman's strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz makes it an important maritime partner for India.
The exercise is significant because it:
Strengthens India–Oman defence cooperation.
Enhances maritime security in the Arabian Sea.
Improves operational coordination between the two navies.
Supports the protection of international shipping routes.
Promotes stability in the western Indian Ocean region.
The exercise also aligns with India's MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, which focuses on strengthening maritime partnerships and regional security.
