JEDDAH – In a significant display of the growing naval cooperation between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Surat, a state-of-the-art guided-missile destroyer, and INS Tamal, a newly commissioned multi-role frigate, arrived at Jeddah Islamic Port on August 27-28, 2025.
The port call is a key feature of the regular naval exchanges that underscore the robust strategic partnership between the two nations. For INS Tamal, the visit is particularly noteworthy as it marks a stop on its inaugural journey from Russia to India. This vessel also holds the distinction of being the final warship to be imported by the Indian Navy, signaling a new era of indigenous shipbuilding.
The visit’s agenda is packed with a series of high-level interactions designed to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding. Engagements include meetings with the leadership of the Western Fleet, Royal Saudi Naval Forces, and the Director-General of Saudi Border Guards for the Makkah Region. The Indian naval crew will also visit the Jeddah Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to familiarize themselves with local operations.
Further strengthening the bonds of friendship, a friendly football match is scheduled between the Indian Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The visit will culminate in a joint passage exercise at sea upon departure, aimed at deepening joint operational experience and coordination.
To commemorate the visit, the Ambassador of India, H.E. Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, will host a dinner reception on board INS Tamal on the evening of August 28 for Saudi officials and members of the local Indian diaspora.
The naval relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is a critical component of their comprehensive defense relations. This is evidenced by the successful joint maritime exercises, “Al Mohed Al Hindi,” held in 2021 and 2023, and the inaugural Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks conducted earlier this year. The two navies also maintain a regular exchange of officers and cadets for training and capacity-building initiatives, including a recent study tour by a Royal Saudi Naval Forces delegation to the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram, India.
This visit to Jeddah serves as a powerful testament to the deepening strategic ties and shared maritime security interests between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
