**India and ______ are all set to conduct their first-ever naval exercise Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 2021.**
Verified**Explanation:**
The Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 2021 naval exercise marked a significant milestone in India-Saudi Arabia maritime cooperation. This historic naval exercise represented the first-ever joint maritime drill between the Indian Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, strengthening bilateral defense ties between the two nations.
The name "Al-Mohed Al-Hindi" translates to "The Indian Ocean" in Arabic, which perfectly captures the maritime nature of this collaboration. This exercise was conducted in the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf region, demonstrating both countries' commitment to enhancing naval cooperation and maritime security in the region.
The exercise involved various naval activities including tactical maneuvers, communication drills, and coordinated operations between the two naval forces. From India's side, advanced naval vessels and personnel participated, while Saudi Arabia deployed ships from its Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The drill focused on improving interoperability between the two navies and sharing best practices in maritime operations.
This naval exercise is particularly significant as it reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. Both countries have been working to deepen their defense cooperation as part of their broader diplomatic and economic relationship. Saudi Arabia is one of India's key energy partners, being a major supplier of crude oil, and this naval exercise adds a new dimension to their bilateral ties.
The timing of Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 2021 also aligned with India's broader maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean region and the Middle East. As India seeks to enhance its naval presence and partnerships across these crucial waterways, exercises like this help build trust and operational coordination with key regional partners like Saudi Arabia.
