At the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, the cadets from the King Fahd Naval Academy in Saudi Arabia engaged with Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS. As part of floating training with the Indian Navy, 55 Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) cadets and five Directing Staff are attached to the First Training Squadron ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata. The CNS was made aware of the ongoing training exercises, which included familiarisation sea missions, in the harbour and while floating. Additionally, he received an update on the trainees’ progress during the training session.
Prior to setting sail for the sea training phase, the cadets underwent simulator training as part of their training programme. On Indian Navy ships, the cadets have spent a total of 10 days at sea. They underwent intense instruction on practical aspects of seamanship and navigation during the sea sorties, with a focus on sea boats, anchoring, coastal navigation, replenishment at sea, and emergency exercises. They will also have a two-day harbour training on the sail training ship INS Sudarshini to acclimatise them to the challenges of life at sea.
The cadets discussed their training voyages—their first time sailing on a warship—with the CNS. The Directing Staff acknowledged their gratitude for the excellent training and exposure they received onboard the IN ships throughout the discussions. In his speech, the CNS welcomed the RSNF group to India and reiterated that the Indian Navy’s first training of Saudi cadets was evidence of the two Navies’ increasing friendship. He expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Saudi government during the recent evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan.
The CNS reiterated that the joint exercises, staff meetings, and training exchanges with the RSNF have advanced successfully over the years and signify the strong tie between the two fleets, highlighting the close relationships and collaboration between the two fleets. He also pointed out that both nations have similar views on maritime security and work closely together to maintain safe and secure seas in the area.
