India, Oman sign pact to boost maritime security cooperation

Context

India and Oman inked an agreement for exchange of white shipping information and to boost maritime security cooperation in reflection of growing cooperation between the two sides. 

Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman

• The Indian Navy cooperates with the Royal Navy of Oman on many fronts that include operational interactions and training.
• Both navies have been participating in the biennial maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr since 1993.
• This exercise was last conducted in 2020 off Goa and the next edition is scheduled in 2022.

What is White Shipping Information?

• White shipping information refers to exchange of relevant advance information on the identity and movement of commercial non-military merchant vessels.
• The seas around India abound in vessels of various types ranging from small inland fishing crafts to larger fishing vessels, coastal crafts carrying personnel and cargo and merchant ships of all shapes and sizes that carry various types of cargo.
• Being aware of the identity of these vessels is imperative to preventing any potential threat from the sea from impinging on the coastal and offshore security of the country.