Muscat: The 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najah concluded on September 26, 2018, with a formal closing ceremony held at the Rabkoot Training Area in Oman.
This event was graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries, among them Amit Narang, the Indian Ambassador to Oman, and Captain Harish Srinivasan, the Indian Defence Attache to Oman. On the Omani front, Brigadier General Abdulkadhim Bin Ibrahim Al-Ajmi, Commander of the 11th Infantry Brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Masood Mubarak Al-Ghafri, Commanding Officer of the Frontier Force, were among those in attendance to commemorate the occasion. The Ministry of Defence issued a formal press release confirming their participation.
The ceremony proceeded following a remarkable joint live-fire demonstration, which served to highlight the interoperability and joint capabilities of the Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman. This demonstration was instrumental in showcasing the potential for cooperation between the two forces in peacekeeping operations under a United Nations mandate. Approximately 60 soldiers from each army took part in this significant display of military collaboration.
The demonstration was punctuated by a series of tactical exercises, including the simulated isolation and clearance of a village in a desert environment. This exercise involved joint forces comprising Indian and Omani Armoured Personnel Carrier troops in conducting house clearance drills and hostage rescue operations.
Additionally, snipers from both sides demonstrated their marksmanship, effectively engaging targets throughout the exercise.
A notable aspect of the event was the deployment of cutting-edge Indian-manufactured equipment, such as drones for real-time surveillance and ballistic shields for room interventions and hostage protection. These technologies underscored the commitment of both nations to the enhancement of their military capabilities and preparedness.
The exercise concluded with a flag ceremony, an equipment display, and the exchange of formal greetings between the contingents. The successful execution of this joint exercise reflects the dedication of both countries to the maintenance of global peace and security.
Beyond enhancing the tactical skills of the participating forces, the exercise also solidified the bilateral military relations between India and Oman.
