The royal yacht Zinat al Bihaar, commanded by Lt. Cdr. Salim bin Mohammed bin Ali al Moani, and Royal Navy of Oman Ship Shinas, commanded by Lt. Ammar Alkaabi respectively, arrived here on Saturday.
The royal yacht will participate in the event “Tall Ship Sail Together” from Kochi to Muscat, along with IN Ships Tarangini and Sudarshini, as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).
The commanding officers of the royal yacht and RNO Ship, accompanied by Cmde Thabit, resident defence attache of Oman, and Capt Hill, director (ops) of the Royal Yacht Squadron, called on Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command (SNC), and held discussions on subjects of common interest.
Earlier, on their arrival in Kochi, the royal yacht was received by Rear Admiral R.J. Nadkarni, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command. A traditional Kathakali dance was performed for the visitors. This was followed by the Commanding Officer of the royal yacht welcoming the Chief of Staff and other dignitaries on board and taking them for a short tour of his ship.