Royal Saudi Naval Force cadets getting training at Indian Navy’s Ships

Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar  interacted with the cadets of King Fahd Naval Academy of Saudi Arabia at Southern Naval Command, Kochi. These are 55 cadets of the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) and are getting sea training in India.  Cadets along with RSNF’s five Directing Staff are attached with the First Training Squadron ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata as part of afloat training with the Indian Navy.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)  was apprised of the ongoing harbour and afloat training activities including familiarisation sea sorties. He was also briefed on the progress made by the trainees within the training period.

As part of the training curriculum, simulator training was undertaken for the cadets prior to embarking for the sea training phase. The cadets have completed 10 days at sea onboard the Indian Naval Ships. During the sea sorties, they were exposed to rigorous training on practical aspects of navigation and seamanship with emphasis on navigation in pilotage waters, anchoring, coastal navigation, replenishment at sea, sea boats, firefighting and emergency drills. A two-day harbour training on sail training ship INS Sudarshini is also planned to familiarise them with the rigours of life onboard a sail ship.

Saudi cadets shared their training experiences with Admiral Hari Kumar – their first ever sailing onboard any warship. During the discussions, the Directing Staff expressed their appreciation of the high-quality training and exposure that they received onboard the Indian Navy’s  ships.

In his address, Admiral Kumar welcomed the RSNF delegation in India and reaffirmed the maiden training of Saudi cadets by the Indian Navy as testimony to the growing friendship between Saudi Arabia and India as also the two Navies. He acknowledged the assistance received from the Govt of Saudi Arabia during the recent evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan.

Emphasising the close relations and cooperation between the two navies, Chief of Naval Staff reaffirmed that the joint exercises, staff talks and training exchanges with the RSNF have progressed well over the years and signifies the strong bond between the two Navies. He also brought out that both countries share similar views with regard to maritime security and closely operate with each other towards ensuring safe and secure seas in the region.