By: Syed Zia ur Rahman, YaHind.Com
Jeddah, August 28, 2025 – In a significant step towards enhancing maritime cooperation, Indian Navy ships INS Tamal, a multi-role frigate, and INS Surat, a guided missile destroyer, arrived at Jeddah Islamic Port on August 27-28, 2025, as part of ongoing naval exchanges between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Notably, INS Tamal, recently commissioned in Russia, marks the final warship import for the Indian Navy and is en route to India.
The port call features a series of engagements aimed at fostering collaboration and goodwill. These include high-level interactions with the Western Fleet leadership of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the Director General of Saudi Border Guards, Makkah Region. Indian naval personnel will also visit the Jeddah Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to gain insights into its operations and procedures. Adding a touch of camaraderie, a friendly football match between the Indian Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Forces is scheduled, culminating in a joint passage exercise upon departure.
A highlight of the visit is a dinner reception hosted by India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, on board INS Tamal on the evening of August 28. The event will bring together Saudi dignitaries and members of the local Indian diaspora, reinforcing bilateral ties.
India and Saudi Arabia share a robust defence partnership, with naval cooperation as a key pillar. The two nations have previously conducted the joint maritime exercise Al Mohed Al Hindi in 2021 and 2023. Earlier this year, the first Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks were held, marking a milestone in strategic dialogue. Regular exchanges of naval officers and cadets for training, along with a recent study tour by a Royal Saudi Naval Forces delegation to the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram, India, further underscore the deepening partnership.
The visit of INS Tamal and INS Surat to Jeddah highlights the strong strategic alignment between India and Saudi Arabia. It is expected to enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two navies, contributing to regional maritime security.
Source: Press Release
