INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS TAMAL AND SURAT VISITS JEDDAH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

 INS Tamal- a multi-role frigate and INS Surat- a guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy arrived at the Jeddah Islamic Port, on 27-28 August 2025 as part of regular naval exchanges between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. INS Tamal has recently been commissioned in Russia and is on its way to India. INS Tamal is also the last warship to be imported by the Indian Navy.

2.​The engagements during the port call include a range of official engagements including interaction with Western Fleet, Royal Saudi Naval Forces leadership and Director General, Saudi Border Guards, Makkah Region, familiarization of operations and procedures at the Jeddah Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, and a friendly football match with Royal Saudi Naval Forces, culminating in a passage exercise on departure. A dinner reception hosted by Ambassador of India, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan for the Saudi guests and local diaspora on board INS Tamal will be organized in the evening of August 28.

3.​ India and Saudi Arabia share comprehensive defence relations, in which naval cooperation is an important component. The Navies of India and Saudi Arabia have jointly held maritime exercise- Al Mohed Al Hindi in 2021 and 2023. Earlier this year, the first round of Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks were also conducted. Exchange of naval officers and cadets for training and capacity building takes place regularly. Recently, a delegation of Royal Saudi Naval Forces visited IFC-IOR (Information Fusion Centre- Indian Ocean Region) in Gurugram, India for a study tour.

4.​ The visit of Indian naval vessels to Jeddah is a testament to the robust strategic partnership between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The visit will significantly contribute towards deepening joint operational experience and coordination between the two Navies.

(August 28, 2025) 

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