INDIA. Mumbai: The second edition of exercise “Zair-Al-Bahr” between the Indian Navy and Qatar Emiri Naval Force (QENF) was conducted between August 09 and August 14, in the Persian Gulf.
The present edition of the exercise included a three-day harbour phase followed by a two-day sea phase. The sea phase comprised of tactical maritime exercises involving Surface Action, Anti-Piracy exercises, Air Defence, Maritime surveillance, Boarding operations, and SAR exercises.
In the sea phase of the exercise, Indian Navy Missile Stealth Frigate INS Trikand, QENF Missile Boats of Barzan and Damsah class, Fast-Attack Crafts of MRTP 34 class and Rafale Fighter Aircraft participated. Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring peace, stability, and security in the region and is ever ready to cooperate and collaborate with partner Navies on issues of Maritime safety and security, a Defence spokesman Commander Mehul Karnik said.
The 2nd edition of exercise Zair-Al-Bahr will contribute towards the Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate Interoperability and forge strong bonds of friendship with the Qatari Navy. The bilateral maritime exercise between two navies would further strengthen the maritime exchanges between the two countries and enhance maritime security in the region, an official statement said.
Accommodation for Defence civilians
In another development, a foundation stone for 291 Type-II married accommodation for Indian Naval Defence Civilian Employees at Powai in Northeast Mumbai was laid on Independence Day on Sunday. A plaque of the proposed complex was unveiled by VKS Gautam, TA(E), a senior retired employee of Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, in presence of Rear Admiral B Sivakumar, Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, and other officers.
The ceremony took place after the national flag was hoisted by Rear Admiral B Sivakumar. The three buildings would come up in the configuration of G+26 with Griha 3 Star Compliance. This would assuage shortfall in accommodation for Defence Civilian Employees to a large extent.