On March 17, 2021, the Indian Navy & Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) undertook Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Persian Gulf under Operation Sankalp. From India’s side ‘INS Talwar’ Warship took place in the exercise, while the RBNF was represented by the Corvette ‘Al Muharraq’.
- Aim – To enhance interoperability, strengthen Maritime cooperation, Reassure safety of Diaspora.
- The ‘PASSEX’ highlights the partnership between the two countries to meet emerging maritime challenges.
- The exercise was carried out by India in pursuance of its commitment towards ensuring the safety of Indian-flagged merchant vessels in the Gulf region.
Operation Sankalp
- It was initiated by the Indian Government in June 2019 for ensuring the Safety of Indian Merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz (between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman).
- The operation is being carried out in close coordination with tall stakeholders including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Shipping and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Note – PASSEXs are conducted regularly by the Indian Navy with units of friendly foreign navies, whilst visiting each other’s ports or during a rendezvous at sea.
Recent Related News:
i.On February 4, 2021, India & the Kingdom of Bahrain held the 1st Joint Working Group Meeting 2021 in the field of Renewable Energy (RE) in a virtual format.
About Bahrain:
Crown Prince & Prime Minister – Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa
Capital – Manama
Currency – Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
