AL NAJAH-IV

India and Oman will carry out a 13-day military exercise, AL NAJAH-IV, focusing on counter-terror cooperation.

The exercise, ‘AL NAJAH-IV’, will occur in the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan.
A 60-member team from the Royal Army of Oman has arrived at the site of the exercise.
It is the fourth edition of the military exercise.
It will be held at the foreign training node of Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
The exercise aims to enhance defence cooperation and will further enhance bilateral relations.
The joint exercise would focus on counter-terrorism, regional security, and peacekeeping operations.

It is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
Capital – Muscat
Land borders:
- South West – Yemen
- West – Saudi Arabia
- North West-United Arab Emirates
Maritime Borders:
- South and East – the Arabian Sea
- North – Gulf of Oman

India and Oman enjoy cordial and friendly relations, reflecting the centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties.
Defence and strategic importance:
- The Joint Military Cooperation Committee is the highest form of engagement between India and Oman.
- The army exercise Al Nagah, the air force exercise Eastern Bridge and naval Exercise Naseem Al Bahr were conducted at regular intervals.
Strategic partner:
- Oman is at the gateway of the Strait of Hormuz; India imports one-fifth of its oil imports through this.
- Oman is an important interlocutor at the
  - Gulf Cooperation Council.
  - Arab League.
  - Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Security in the Indian Ocean region:
- India wants to extend its foot into the critical port of Duqm in Oman for military use.
- The importance of Duqm port is important because it is close to the Chabahar port in Iran.
- The Chabahar port is a joint initiative of India and Iran.

Pic Courtesy: New Indian Express

Content Source: The Hindu