Amid the escalating security situation between Iran and Israel in the wake of the recent missile attack by the former, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's promise of retaliatory strikes, the “peace and friendship” fleet of the Indian Navy arrived at Iran's Bandar Abbas port for a joint military exercise.
Indian Navy ships Tir and Shardul and the Indian Coast Guard ship Veera are part of the long-range training deployment in the Persian Gulf. This is the first visit of the Indian Navy to Iran.
According to the defence ministry, the joint drill signifies a major step in strengthening maritime cooperative engagement and boosting mutual understanding between the two sides.
The ships will engage in several activities aimed at boosting maritime security and interoperability between the two navies.
Professional exchanges, cross-training visits, wreath laying, friendly sports fixtures and Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) are planned during the drills.
An Indian Navy official has been quoted as saying that the exercise is a "vital step in strengthening maritime cooperative engagement and fostering mutual understanding."
In March, Iranian Training Flotilla ships Bushehr and Tonb visited Mumbai as part of the training interaction. Iran naval ship Dena had also participated in the multilateral Naval Exercise MILAN 24 in February.
Iranian Navy officer Captain Masoud Beigi said the Indian side would have a chance to visit the recreational and cultural sites in Bandar Abbas during their stay. According to him, such exercises would further solidify the ties between the navies of the two countries.