Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), had an interaction with the cadets of King Fahd Naval Academy, Saudi Arabia, who were undergoing sea training at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, India. The cadets, numbering 55 from the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) along with five Directing Staff, were attached to the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata, for afloat training.
During the interaction, the CNS was briefed on the ongoing harbor and afloat training activities, including familiarization sea sorties, and the progress made by the trainees during their training period. The cadets had undergone simulator training as part of their curriculum before embarking on the sea training phase.
The cadets spent 10 days at sea on board the Indian Naval Ships, where they received rigorous training in practical aspects of navigation and seamanship. The training emphasized navigation in pilotage waters, anchoring, coastal navigation, replenishment at sea, sea boats, firefighting, and emergency drills. Additionally, a two-day harbor training on the sail training ship INS Sudarshini was planned to familiarize the cadets with life onboard a sail ship.
The cadets shared their training experiences with the CNS, expressing their appreciation for the high-quality training and exposure they received on the Indian Navy ships. The Directing Staff also commended the training provided by the Indian Navy. In his address, the CNS welcomed the RSNF delegation to India and emphasized that the training of Saudi cadets by the Indian Navy is a testament to the growing friendship between Saudi Arabia and India, as well as the two navies. He acknowledged the assistance provided by the Saudi Arabian government during the recent evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan.
The CNS highlighted the close relations and cooperation between the Indian Navy and the RSNF, stating that joint exercises, staff talks, and training exchanges have progressed well over the years, strengthening the bond between the two navies. He emphasized that both countries share similar views on maritime security and closely collaborate to ensure safe and secure seas in the region.