Context: In a sign of growing defence ties between the two nations, the naval army of India and Saudi Arabia started their first-ever joint exercise called “AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2021”.
Key highlights

• To participate in the exercise, India’s guided-missile destroyer INS Kochi reached Saudi Arabia.
• The joint naval exercise will showcase the reflection of growing defence and military cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia.
• INS Kochi reached to Saudi Arabia after conducting a naval exercise with the UAE Navy off the coast of Abu Dhabi.

Harbour phase of the exercise

• Harbour phase of the Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 2021 exercise started on August 9, 2021. Sea-based drills started from August 11. 
• After INS Kochi arrived at the Jubail port, it was given a warm welcome by officials of Royal Saudi naval forces.

Significance of the exercise

• The joint naval exercise is taking place amid increasing tension in the Gulf region following a drone attack on the merchant tanker off Oman that killed a British national and Romanian citizen. 
• United Kingdom and United States accused Iran for carrying the attack on MV Mercer Street.