ISLAMABAD: In a significant display of deepening bilateral defencerelations, the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman have successfullyconducted a joint passage exercise in regional waters, following a goodwillport call at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat. This development, announced onJanuary 11, 2026, underscores the growing emphasis on interoperability andshared maritime security objectives between the two neighbouring nations.The exercise involved a Pakistani flotilla comprising naval ships RahNaward and Madadgar, alongside the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency vesselPMSS Kashmir, which engaged with the Royal Oman Navy ship KHASAB. Suchinteractions highlight the strategic importance of coordinated navalactivities in ensuring stability across vital sea lanes.
The goodwill visit to Muscat formed the foundation for this collaborativeendeavour. Upon arrival, the Pakistani ships received a warm welcome fromOmani authorities, reflecting the longstanding fraternal ties between thetwo countries. The Mission Commander, Commodore Amir Iqbal, along with thecommanding officers, held productive meetings with senior leadership of theRoyal Navy of Oman, including discussions on mutual interests, navy-to-navyengagements, and avenues for enhanced cooperation in maritime securitydomains. These interactions provided an opportunity to exchange views oncontemporary challenges, including threats to freedom of navigation and theprotection of commercial shipping routes in the Arabian Sea and beyond.
The passage exercise itself represented a practical manifestation of thesedialogues. Conducted immediately after the port call, it focused oncoordinated manoeuvres designed to improve operational synchronizationbetween the participating units. Such drills enable both navies to refinetactics, communication protocols, and response mechanisms in real-timescenarios, thereby building mutual confidence. Analysts note that passageexercises like this one serve as low-risk platforms for testinginteroperability without the complexity of large-scale multinationaloperations, yet they yield substantial benefits in preparedness for jointmissions.
Pakistan and Oman share a unique geographical proximity as maritimeneighbours, with overlapping interests in safeguarding the Gulf of Oman andadjacent waters. Frequent port calls, dignitary visits, and joint exerciseshave become regular features of their relationship. This latest engagementbuilds upon a series of similar activities, including previous bilateraldrills and coordinated patrols. Notably, the navies have maintained aconsistent pattern of collaboration, with recent high-level meetingsreinforcing commitments to information sharing and collective security.Last month, naval commanders signed a memorandum of understanding inIslamabad to facilitate the exchange of white shipping data, aimed atenhancing mutual awareness of commercial vessel movements and reducingvulnerabilities in the maritime domain.
The strategic context of this drill extends beyond bilateral ties. TheArabian Sea remains a critical artery for global trade, energy supplies,and international commerce. Challenges such as piracy, illicit trafficking,and emerging non-traditional threats necessitate robust cooperation amongregional stakeholders. Pakistan Navy’s participation in overseasdeployments, including this flotilla’s visit, demonstrates its commitmentto contributing to regional stability. Similarly, the Royal Navy of Oman’sactive involvement reflects shared resolve to promote peace and securemaritime environments conducive to economic prosperity.
Experts emphasize that such initiatives contribute significantly toconfidence-building measures in a region often characterized bygeopolitical complexities. The exercise not only enhances tacticalproficiency but also fosters professional exchanges, including visits byOmani officers and midshipmen to Pakistani ships for discussions onmaritime topics. These interactions strengthen people-to-people contactswithin the naval communities and pave the way for future collaborativetraining programmes.
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Looking ahead, the Pakistan-Oman naval partnership is poised for furtherexpansion. Regular conduct of such activities aligns with broader defenceobjectives, including participation in multilateral frameworks. The successof this joint passage exercise signals a positive trajectory in bilateralrelations, reinforcing the mutual dedication to a secure and prosperousmaritime future. As both nations continue to prioritize interoperabilityand shared security, these engagements serve as vital instruments foraddressing evolving challenges in the maritime domain.
Source: https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2628971/pakistan
Tags: Pakistan, Oman, Pakistan Navy, Royal Navy of Oman, Arabian Sea
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