The admiral confirmed the strengthening of the ties during a visit to 55 Saudi midshipmen and five officers attached to ships of the First Training Squadron as part of a joint exercise.

The officer said that the training between cadets from the Indian and Saudi navies is a testament to the growing friendship between the two countries.

He highlighted that the exercises, staff talks and training exchanges with Saudi colleagues have progressed in recent years.

Both countries share similar views regarding maritime security and operate closely to ensure safe and secure seas in the region, he said.

He took the opportunity to reiterate the gratitude of the Indian government for the collaboration of Saudi Arabia in the evacuation of Indian citizens from Sudan.

The Saudi cadets, who have already completed 10 days at sea aboard the Indian ships, took part in drills before embarking for the practical phase, an official source said.

They were exposed to strict exercises during sorties, with an emphasis on navigation in pilotage waters, coastal navigation, anchoring, resupplying at sea, firefighting, and emergency drills.

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