Indian Navy destroyer conducts professional engagements and PASSEX with Royal Navy of Oman during ongoing deployment
Muscat, Sept 2026 : Indian Navy's frontline destroyer INS Ranvijay made a port call at Salalah in Oman as part of its ongoing deployment, highlighting the longstanding friendship and growing maritime cooperation between India and Oman.
During the visit, INS Ranvijay undertook professional engagements with the Royal Navy of Oman's vessel RNOV Sadh. The two navies also conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) off Salalah, providing an opportunity for personnel from both sides to enhance operational coordination and interoperability.
The Indian Navy said the Commanding Officer of INS Ranvijay called on the Commander of the Southern Naval Area of the Royal Navy of Oman during the port call.
“INS Ranvijay, a frontline destroyer of the Indian Navy, called at Salalah as part of her ongoing deployment. The CO of INS Ranvijay called on the Southern Naval Area RNO Commander,” the Navy said in a post on X.
It added that the port call featured professional interactions between RNOV Sadh and INS Ranvijay, while the India-Royal Navy of Oman PASSEX was conducted off Salalah. The engagements, the Navy said, underscored the enduring friendship and maritime ties between the two countries.
The latest naval interaction comes against the backdrop of wider defence and strategic engagement between New Delhi and Muscat.
Earlier this month, a high-level delegation from India's National Defence College (NDC) concluded a visit to Oman as part of its Strategic Neighbourhood Study Tour. The delegation was led by Air Vice Marshal Manish Vasantkumar Patel, Senior Directing Staff (Air) at NDC India, and held discussions with officials and institutions in Muscat.
The Indian Embassy in Oman said on September 3 that the visit represented an important high-level interaction between the two countries.
During the tour, the delegation called on the Majlis A'Dawla and Majlis A'Shura and interacted with members of the Oman Council. It also met Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces.
Discussions with the Omani military leadership covered mutual security interests within the broader framework of bilateral defence cooperation, according to the embassy.
The delegation also interacted with Rear Admiral Ali Abdullah Al Shidi, Commandant of Oman's National Defence College, with discussions focusing on bilateral issues, including training and academic cooperation.
Other engagements included meetings with the Diplomatic Academy of Oman and the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones.
The embassy said the visit reinforced the shared commitment of India and Oman to peace, prosperity and regional stability.
As part of the programme, the delegation also visited the Shabab Oman II ship and was briefed on its civilisational, cultural and diplomatic significance, as well as its participation in international events.
