Russia to hold joint naval drills with Iran and China in Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea

Russia said a group of its warships had arrived in Iran to take part in drills with Iran and China in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The joint exercises, called “Maritime Security Belt – 2024,” will involve warships and aviation, the Russian defense ministry said in a statement quoted by state media on Monday.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA said the exercises will kick off on Tuesday.

“The practical part of the exercise will take place in the waters of the Gulf of Oman of the Arabian Sea,” the Russian defense ministry said. “The main purpose of the maneuvers is to work out the safety of maritime economic activity.”

Russia’s grouping is led by the Varyag, a missile cruiser from its Pacific Fleet, the ministry said. It said representatives from the navies of Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Oman, India and South Africa would act as observers.

“The goals of this exercise include strengthening the security of international maritime trade, combating piracy and maritime terrorism, facilitating information exchange for maritime rescue operations, and sharing operational and tactical insights,” IRNA said.