New Delhi, 18th October 2024
The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir and ICGS Veera, concluded their long-range training deployment to Manama, Bahrain, on October 16, 2024. This significant port call provided an opportunity for high-level discussions on regional maritime security and collaboration.
During the visit, Captain Anshul Kishore, the Senior Officer of 1TS, engaged in productive meetings with key Bahraini officials, including Major General Salman Mubarak Al-Doseri of the Royal Command Staff and National Defence College, and Commodore Ahmed Ebrahim Buhamood, Commander of the Flotilla. These discussions centered around the maritime security challenges facing the region and explored avenues for future training and operational collaboration.
Additionally, Captain Kishore and the commanding officer of ICGS Veera met with Commodore Mark Anderson, Deputy Commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). These interactions emphasized the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation and enhancing the strategic partnership between the Indian Navy and other regional maritime forces.
The port call included organized visits aboard the 1TS ships for personnel from the Bahrain Defence Forces, CMF, and naval representatives from friendly foreign nations. These visits facilitated an understanding of common operating procedures, laying the groundwork for potential collaborative exercises in the future. A delegation from 1TS, which included sea trainees, also toured the Naval Support Facility in Bahrain, gaining valuable insights into Task Force 59 and operations under US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT).
In a spirit of camaraderie, naval personnel from USNAVCENT and the Indian Navy participated in a friendly football match, reinforcing the bonds of friendship between the two navies. The Indian Navy band further showcased their cultural connection with a captivating performance in Manama. As part of community outreach efforts, the 1TS team engaged with the 'Tree of Life Social Charity Society,' contributing to local goodwill initiatives.
The visit also featured an official reception aboard 1TS, attended by delegates from the Embassy of India, members of the Bahrain Defence Forces, and various military and civilian dignitaries, including members of the Indian diaspora. This gathering highlighted the significance of the bilateral relationship and the shared commitment to regional stability.
The deployment concluded with a maritime exercise (MPX) involving INS Tir, ICGS Veera, and RBNS Al Farooq, further solidifying the operational synergy between the Indian Navy and the Bahrain Defence Forces. The successful completion of this visit underscores the strong maritime ties between the two nations and reaffirms their mutual commitment to addressing regional security challenges collaboratively.
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