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Visit of INS Tarkash to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Posted on: May 22, 2023 | Back | Print

Embassy of India

Riyadh

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Press Relase

Bearing testimony to the growing defence ties between India and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,    INS TARKASH, the flagship frigate of Indian Western Naval Fleet along with INS SUBHADRA, an offshore patrol vessel arrived at Port Al-Jubail on 21 May 2023.  The arrival of the ships heralds a new chapter in the bilateral defence ties with the commencement of the harbour phase of the second edition of Naval Exercise between the two countries – ‘AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023’.  This year, one maritime patrol aircraft is also taking part in the naval exercise.  The first edition of the exercise was conducted in 2021.

INS TARKASH, the second Talwar class stealth frigate was commissioned on 09 November 2012.  INS TARKASH is a state-of-the art platform and has a weapon-sensor fit that enables her to address threats in all dimensions.  The ship uses stealth technologies and a special hull design to ensure a reduced radar cross section.  A significant number of Naval systems of Indian origin have also been incorporated on the ship.  INS TARKASH derives her name from a Sanskrit word ‘Tarkash’ which means a Quiver of Arrows.  The ship in the past has taken part in Operation Raahat for evacuation of Indian nationals from Yemen in 2015 and recently in April 2023 actively participated in Operation Kaveri for evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan.  

INS SUBHADRA is a Sukanya class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy.  INS SUBHADRA has been used as a test bed for the Dhanush ship-launched ballistic missile and associated stabilization and launch platforms. 

‘AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023’ which commenced on 21 May 2023 comprises a number of shore and sea based exercises between the two friendly Navies.  On its arrival at the Jubail port, the ship was given a warm welcome by officials of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Border Guards and Indian Embassy.  

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Riyadh

21 May 2023