The Indian Ministry of Defense has announced that its First Training Squadron will participate in multiple training activities and events in Bahrain and the UAE, deepening ties with the Gulf nations.
Indian’s First Training Squadron has reached both the Port of Manama in Bahrain and Port Rashid, Dubai, in the UAE.
During the ongoing simultaneous visits, Indian and the Gulf states’ marine personnel will meet to strengthen naval collaboration and improve interoperability between their navies across a range of maritime exercises.
The visit will also include the participation of several Combined Maritime Forces partners to reinforce maritime security pathways in the region.
Joint Military Exercises
The Indian First Training Squadron’s visit to Bahrain and UAE is part of a broader initiative aimed at maintaining India’s strategic presence in the Gulf through military exercises, particularly with Abu Dhabi.
From 2018 to 2021, the Indian Navy participated in several exercises with the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
India and the UAE also began trilateral military cooperation with France, holding maritime drills in 2023.
In January, the Indian Army held its first joint drills with the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Indian Strategic Ties in the Gulf
Given the presence of 8.8 million Indian nationals residing in the Gulf states and the oil imports with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, India has a large stake in the region’s stability.
The Gulf is a gateway to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for the transportation of oil supplies.
In February New Delhi signed a $78-billion agreement to import 7.5 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually from Qatar for 20 years starting in 2028.