Indian Navy's Outreach to West Asia: Strengthening Defence Ties with Saudi Arabia
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (Bilateral relations - India-Saudi Arabia, Naval Exercises); Defence (Naval Assets); Geography (Map Location of Jeddah, Red Sea).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; India's relations with its neighborhood (extended neighborhood).
Key Highlights from the News
INS Tamal and INS Surat, Indian naval warships, made a significant port call at Jeddah port in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the visit, a joint naval exercise, passage exercise (PASSEX), was conducted with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF).
This visit demonstrates India's commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
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