Indian naval ships reach Bahrain; joint exercise likely

NEW DELHI: Indian naval ships Delhi, Tarkash and Deepak today reached Bahrain on a four-day visit during which they are likely to do a joint exercise.

During the visit, the Indian crew will interact with the Royal Bahrain Naval Force ( RBNF) on issues pertaining to maritime operations, including means of combating maritime terrorism and piracy.

In addition, calls on senior government and military authorities, sports and cultural interactions and sharing of best practices, aimed at enhancing cooperation as well as strengthening understanding between the two navies, are also planned.

The visiting Indian navy ships are also likely to conduct exercises with the RBNF, a naval statement said.

The current visit by Indian ships will facilitate sharing of best practices, enhance maritime cooperation and evolve a shared understanding of the maritime security challenges, between the two navies, it said.

Over 350,000 Indian nationals, comprising nearly a third of Bahrain's total population, is an important facet of strong bilateral relationship.