Saudi Naval Academy Trainees Join Indian Navy Training Squadron in Kochi
Trainees from the prestigious King Fahad Naval Academy of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces have officially become part of the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy at Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
This 76-strong group marks the second batch of Saudi trainees to undergo training with the 1TS, following a successful first batch in May–June 2023.
Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, expressed his satisfaction with the deepening defense cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing the significance of this training exchange in strengthening bilateral relations.
The Saudi Naval Forces trainees were welcomed by Senior Officer 1TS, Capt. Anshul Kishore, on June 24, who outlined the comprehensive four-week training program that includes basic seamanship, simulator-based training, and practical exposure to sea life.
Throughout the training, the Saudi cadets will work closely with their Indian counterparts, fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding between the two groups.
The visit of RSNF Chief of Staff Adm. Fahad Abdullah S Al-Ghofaily to Southern Naval Command earlier this year further solidified the friendly bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and India, highlighting the steady growth in defense cooperation.
In a recent article, N. Ram Prasad, former deputy chief of mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, emphasized the increasing cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia in efforts to make the world a safer and more secure place, showcasing the ongoing commitment to strengthening their partnership.