Indian Navy's INS Ranvijay Arrives at Oman's Salalah to Boost Maritime Cooperation

The Indian Navy’s frontline destroyer INS Ranvijay has arrived at Salalah in Oman as part of its ongoing operational deployment, highlighting the close maritime partnership and longstanding ties between India and Oman. During the port visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Ranvijay met the Commander of the Southern Naval Area RNO, according to the Indian Navy. The engagement provided an opportunity for professional interaction between the two maritime forces.

The visit also included professional engagements between RNOV Sadh and INS Ranvijay. The two navies subsequently conducted an India-Royal Navy of Oman Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in waters off Salalah. The Indian Navy said the activities reflected the continuing friendship between India and Oman and demonstrated the importance both countries attach to maritime cooperation.

The Salalah visit comes shortly after Indian naval vessels participated in a major multilateral maritime security activity in the Philippines. On September 25, the stealth frigate INS Sahyadri and missile corvette INS Kulish completed their participation in the 23rd ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperation Activity at Subic Bay.

The exercise began on September 21 at Naval Operating Base Subic under the hosting of the Philippine Navy and was co-chaired by Japan. During the harbour phase, participating forces took part in expert-level discussions covering peace and security, maritime interaction, senior enlisted leadership and marine environmental protection. Sporting activities, an International Day and a cultural programme were also organised.

Indian naval personnel later participated in operational synchronisation activities and a tabletop exercise before joining a pre-sail conference ahead of the sea phase. A community engagement programme was also held at the Shepherds of the Hill Centre in Zambales. The sea phase involved several coordinated activities, including search and rescue operations, hydrographic surveys, casualty and medical evacuation drills, deck landing qualifications and assistance to vessels that had run aground. According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercises helped participating forces improve coordination and interoperability during maritime operations.

Indian Navy personnel from INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish also undertook cross-deck visits aboard JS Ise and HMAS Perth as the ADMM-Plus engagement entered its concluding stage. The closing ceremony marked the completion of the maritime security activities and highlighted the role of professional exchanges and practical cooperation in building mutual understanding among participating naval forces. India’s participation in the multilateral exercise was also in line with its Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, reinforcing New Delhi’s focus on strengthening maritime partnerships across the wider region.