Indian Army Contingent Departs for India-Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najah V

The Indian Army contingent has departed for the fifth edition of the India-Oman joint military exercise, Al Najah, which will take place from September 13 to 26, 2024, at the Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman. Al Najah has been held biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman. The previous edition was conducted in Rajasthan, India. This year, both India and Oman are sending 60 personnel each, with the Indian team represented by the Mechanised Infantry Regiment and the Royal Army of Oman represented by the Frontier Force.

Objective

The joint exercise aims to enhance military capabilities, particularly counter-terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

Focus

The exercise will focus on desert operations and include tactical drills such as joint planning, cordon and search operations, fighting in built-up areas, mobile vehicle check posts, counter-drone techniques, and room interventions.

Significance

The exercise fosters interoperability, goodwill, and camaraderie, further strengthening defence cooperation and bilateral relations between India and Oman.

Indian Army: Key Points

Founded: April 1, 1895

Commander-in-Chief: President of India

Chief of Army Staff: General Upendra Dwivedi

Size: Over 1.2 million active personnel

Headquarters: New Delhi

Motto: “Service Before Self”

Structure: Divided into 7 commands (Northern, Eastern, Western, Southern, Central, South Western, and Army Training Command)

Main Roles: National security, border defense, counter-terrorism, humanitarian aid

Notable Operations: Kargil War (1999), Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot (Siachen), counter-insurgency in Jammu & Kashmir

International Missions: Active contributor to UN Peacekeeping operations

Key Regiments: Infantry, Armored Corps, Mechanized Infantry, Artillery, Army Aviation Corps, Engineers

Significant Exercises: Yudh Abhyas (with USA), Exercise Shakti (with France), Al Nagah (with Oman)