In a significant gesture of maritime cooperation, 76 trainees from the King Fahad Naval Academy of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) joined the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) at Southern Naval Command, Kochi. This marks the second batch of RSNF trainees to undergo training with 1TS, following the first batch in May-June 2023.
The trainees were warmly welcomed by Capt Anshul Kishore, Senior Officer 1TS, who outlined the four-week training program. The curriculum covers basic seamanship, simulator training, and practical exposure to life at sea, including sail training onboard the 1TS sail training ship. This afloat attachment is being conducted alongside Indian Naval trainees, fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding between the two nations.
This bilateral training cooperation is a testament to the longstanding friendship and shared commitment between India and Saudi Arabia, highlighted by the visit of Adm Fahad Abdullah S Al-Ghofaily, Chief of Staff, RSNF, to Southern Naval Command in January 2024. The joint training program aims to strengthen maritime ties and enhance cooperation between the two navies.
Picture Source: Indian Navy