On the occasion of the visit of the Indian Naval Ships to Jeddah, Hamid Ali Rao, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, gave a reception at Jeddah Trident Hotel on Tuesday. A number of Saudi dignitaries, foreign diplomats, journalists, prominent members of the Indian community and officials of the Indian Consulate attended the reception. Earlier, Ambassador and Consul General of India gave a general briefing to the crew of the ships regarding the Indo-Saudi relations, Indian Mission's activities in Saudi Arabia and contributions of the Indian community to the development of the host country. “The primary aim of the visit of these ships is to enhance friendly relations between the two Navies,” the speakers said at the press conference on board the the ship INS Tir. The ships were part of the 1st Training Squadron of the Indian Navy and are based at the Southern Naval Command at Kochi. The Southern Naval Command which is the Training Command of the Indian Navy, trains officers, cadets and sailors of the Indian Navy and many friendly foreign navies in various spheres. The visit offers an opportunity for the Indian Navy to bolster the bonhomie and friendship with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The visit also aims at developing the ability of both Navies to meet the ever growing challenges of the maritime environment by drawing on the collective experience of the maritime forces.
