Zair-Al-Bahr

• Za’ir-Al-Bahr is the Bilateral Maritime Exercise between the Indian Navy and Qatari Emiri Naval Forces.
• In English, It is known as “Roar of the Sea“.
• First Edition: 2019; Five-days; at Doha,Qatar
• Aim: To enhance interoperability between the naval forces.

Significance

• The geographical location of Qatar is significant for the country being located near the major petroleum deposits in the Persian Gulf.
• Also, the joint exercises will help in adding protection to the Indian ships sailing through the region.
• Around 110 billion USD of Indian trade happens through the region.
• As per 2018, it includes 50 billion USD of imports and 60 billion USD of exports.

Defence Relations

• The first diplomatic defence agreement between India and Qatar was signed in 2008.
• According to the agreement the countries permit annual defence training.
• However, an exercise between the countries is being conducted for the first time.

Sources

• The Hindu
• AIR-All India Radio
• PIB
• Indian Express
• Wikipedia
• Vajiram&Ravi