Indian naval warships visit Kuwait to boost defence relations, likely to conduct exercises

As India steps up high-level interaction with Middle-Eastern countries, the defence ministry has sent out its guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi, stealth frigate INS Tarkash and fleet tanker INS Deepak to Kuwait on a four-day visit. The warships might also conduct exercises with the Kuwait Naval Force.

A statement from the defence ministry said the officers and sailors aboard would have "professional interactions" with the Kuwait Naval Force, touching upon issues related to maritime operations, combating maritime terrorism and piracy. The Indian side is expected to call on government and military officers to further the understanding between the two navies.

The relations between India and Kuwait have traditionally been friendly, and have been strengthened by recent increased economic ties and convergence on security issues. Both countries have been conducting high-level visits, training exchanges and port visits by their ships.

Indian ships INS Delhi, INS Deepak, INS Trishul and INS Tabar had visited Kuwait last September. Similarly, a delegation from Kuwait Naval Force had participated in International Fleet Review at Visakhapatnam.

Kuwait was also part of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a voluntary initiative between 30 countries of the Indian Ocean Region, where they share information and cooperate on maritime issues.