In a significant development aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Force, cadets from Saudi Arabia have embarked on a 24-day training program in India. This marks their first-ever training opportunity with the Indian Navy and signifies the growing bilateral ties between the two maritime forces.
A total of 55 cadets and five Directing Staff from the King Fahd Naval Academy arrived in Kochi, the headquarters of India's Southern Naval Command, this week. They were warmly received aboard the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS) ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata, which brought them to Indian shores.
During their stay, the Saudi cadets will undergo comprehensive hands-on training in various aspects of seamanship, navigation, firefighting, and emergency drills on board the Indian Navy ships. They will also have the unique opportunity to experience life on a sailing ship by sailing aboard the Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini. This immersive training experience will provide them with a firsthand feel of the challenges and responsibilities of life at sea.
The Southern Naval Command in Kochi, as the Training Command of the Indian Navy, houses several training establishments. These include the Gunnery School INS Dronacharya, Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology, Diving School, Anti-Submarine Warfare School, School for Naval Aviation, and other facilities spread across the country. The Indian Naval Academy, situated in Kerala's Ezhimala, offers ab-initio training for Indian Naval Officers and hosts cadets from various foreign navies as part of India's military diplomacy initiatives.
This exchange of training opportunities between the Indian Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Force not only strengthens bilateral ties but also promotes mutual understanding and professional development. Such engagements foster camaraderie and cooperation among the navies of different nations, paving the way for collaborative efforts in ensuring maritime security and stability in the region.
The presence of Saudi cadets in India exemplifies the shared commitment to maritime safety and the willingness to learn from each other's experiences. As these young cadets return to their home country, they will carry with them valuable knowledge and a deeper appreciation of naval operations, further strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Saudi Arabia.
