A new dimension has been added to the military relations between India and Saudi Arabia. The first exercise ‘Sada Tanseeq’ between the armies of the two countries has started from Monday in the Mahajan Field Firing Range of Rajasthan, adjacent to the Pakistani border. The fortnight long exercise from Jan 29- Feb 10, will strengthen the defence cooperation and further expand bilateral relations between the two countries.
Objective of EX Sada Tanseeq
The objective of this joint exercise is to train soldiers of both the countries for joint operations in semi-desert areas under Chapter VII of the United Nations (UN) Charter. This exercise will enable the armies of India and Saudi Arabia to share their best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of operations in the sub-conventional area. This will help in developing reciprocity, friendliness and harmony between the soldiers of both the countries.
Both sides have sent in 45 soldiers each to participate in this exercise. The Saudi Arabian contingent is being led by the Royal Saudi Land Force while the Indian Army is represented by a battalion of the Brigade of the Guards (Mechanized Infantry).
About Sada Tanseeq
During the exercise, mobile vehicle check post, cordon and search operation, house intervention drill, reflex shooting, slithering and sniper firing will be practiced. This session will provide an opportunity to both the armies to strengthen their mutual relations. This military exercise will act as a platform to achieve common security objectives, enhance the level of defence cooperation and expand bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.
It is noteworthy that a month ago i.e. in December 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation with Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and had discussed the crisis arising in Western Asia (Israel-Hamas war).
Both had emphasized on maintaining regional peace, security and stability. MBS also came to Delhi last year to participate in the G-20 summit. During this period, the first Strategic-Partnership Council meeting was held between the two countries.
During PM Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 2016, he received the highest civilian honour. In October 2019, when the Prime Minister visited again, an agreement on defence cooperation in manufacturing was reached. The two nations are eager to conduct more joint exercises, with increased Saudi participation in military activities.
In their joint statement after talks in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed their commitment to deepening defence cooperation. They praised collaborative efforts, including joint exercises, training, and high-level visits, all aimed at enhancing security and stability.
The joint naval exercise “Al Mohed Al Hindi” in 2021 and 2023 marked a significant achievement of the two countries in defence cooperation. During the 5th meeting of the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation in June 2022, discussions focused on the potential joint development and production of defence equipment.
India and Saudi Arabia share a strong desire to expand cooperation for mutual security and stability. The joint statement from September 2023 emphasized extending collaboration in cybersecurity, maritime security, and combating transnational crime, including narcotics and drug trafficking. Additionally, the importance of cooperation in safeguarding waterways and ensuring freedom of navigation, in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), was underscored.