Saudi ships on port call next week

New Delhi, Jul 25 (UNI) For the first time, two ships of Saudi Arabian Navy will be on a friendly port call on Indian shores.

Indian Navy sources said here Lafayat class Al Daman and modified Durance class Yan Baw would reach the Mumbai port on July 28 on a four-day visit.

''The visit by the Saudi Navy ships is a result of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium organised by India recently...Saudi Arabia is an important country in the Indian Ocean Rim and the port call is an indication how countries look at India in the emerging world scenario,'' said a Naval official.

Interestingly, along with the two ships would be coming 71 naval cadets who would become officers in the Saudi Navy shortly. They are currently being trained at the Al Fahad Naval Academy.

Saudi Arabia is considered a major ally of the United States and most of its weapon platforms come from the West.

UNI NAB GT VC1722