As part of a good will visit to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia, Indian Naval Ships INS Mumbai, INS Trishul and INS Aditya, have docked here for three days (May 16-18) and are scheduled to undertake various professional interactions with their counterparts from the Royal Saudi Navy, including an exercise at sea. During the visit, the crew will also include training and sports events between the two navies. This is an important step towards strengthening and furthering bilateral defense cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia. Defense ties between the two countries remain strong, having received a boost after signing of landmark memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation during Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman's visit to India as Crown Prince in 2014. INS Mumbai, INS Trishul and INS aditya are under the command of an experienced and distinguished officer Rear Admiral R.B. Pandit, who is on board INS Mumbai. INS Mumbai is a Delhi Class Destroyer, which is fully equipped to undertake any military challenge in varied spectrum of operations. It is commanded by Capt. Sunil Kumar Roy. INS TrishuL is a Talwar Class Frigate, which is commanded by Capt. Sanjay Sachdeva. The ship can operate in a multi threat environment and has the capacity to handle threats in all dimensions. INS Aditya is the first indigenously built Fast Combat Logistic Ship, which facilitates furthering and sustenance of military operations. It is commanded by Capt. Pankaj Sharma. Goodwill visits to foreign ports by Navies around the world are undertaken to enhance relations and foster greater defense cooperation among the countries. The present deployment of the Indian Naval Ships is aimed at strengthening India's friendship with its maritime neighbors and strategic partners. — SG
