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Context:

The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 5th edition of India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH.

Al NAJAH V Exercise

• It is a military exercise.
• It has been held biennially since
• The location of the exercise has been alternating between India and Oman.
• 2024 edition (5th edition) is being conducted at the Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman (4th edition was conducted at Mahajan in Rajasthan).
• The central aim of the exercise is to strengthen the ability of both nations to conduct counter-terrorism operations in a desert environment.

Contingents

• The Indian Army contingent is represented by a Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
• The Royal Army of Oman will be represented by the troops of Frontier Force.

Significance of the exercise for security

• This reflects the regional security needs of both India and Oman, where desert warfare skills are essential.
• As threats like terrorism evolve, both armies seek to be better prepared for joint actions that could occur in such harsh terrains.
• The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism measures under the provisions of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter deals with “Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression”.

Significance for high-level diplomatic engagements and economic stability.

• Oman is a key strategic partner for India in the Gulf, given its geographic importance and its location at the gateway to the Strait of Hormuz.
• This strait is critical for India, as nearly one-fifth of its oil imports pass through these waters. Therefore, Oman’s stability and security are closely linked to India’s economic and energy interests.
• India’s defense ties with Oman are part of a broader strategy to strengthen military relationships with Gulf nations.
• These ties have grown in recent years, demonstrated by high-level diplomatic engagements, like the recent India-Gulf Cooperation Council Foreign Ministers’ Summit.

Recently held Air Force exercise between India and Oman

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is engaged in the 7th edition of the bilateral exercise "Eastern Bridge VII" with the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO).
• The IAF contingent, comprising MiG-29s, Jaguars, and C-17s, participated in joint training missions involving complex aerial maneuvers and air-to-ground operations.

Naval Exercise between India and Oman

• 'Naseem Al Bahr' (Sea Breeze) is a Naval exercise between India and Oman.
• Its 13^th edition was held in 2022.

Must Read articles:

Military Diplomacy: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/military-diplomacy

Bilateral Military Exercises: https://www.iasgyan.in/ig-uploads/pdf/info_bilateral_excercise.pdf

Source:

https://www.indianewsnetwork.com/en/20240912/indian-army-contingent-departs-for-joint-military-exercise-al-najah-v-with-oman#:~:text=The%20Indian%20Army%20contingent%20has,Training%20Area%20in%20Salalah%2C%20Oman.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2054052

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following defense exercises: Al Najah. Eastern Bridge. Naseem Al Bahr. How many of the above bilateral defense exercises is/are associated with India and Oman? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None Answer: C Explanation: Al Najah is a bilateral Military exercise between India and Oman. Eastern Bridge is the bilateral Air Force exercise between India and Oman. Naseem Al Bahr is a bilateral Naval exercise between India and Oman.