<p>India and Saudi Arabia are all set to conduct their first-ever naval exercise, in reflection of their growing defence and military cooperation, officials said on Tuesday.</p>.<p>Indian Navy's guided-missile destroyer INS Kochi reached Saudi Arabia on Monday for the "Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 2021" exercise.</p>.<p>The warship went to Saudi Arabia after carrying out a naval exercise with the UAE Navy off the coast of Abu Dhabi on Saturday, they said.</p>.<p>The harbour phase of the "Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 2021" exercise began on Monday while the sea-based drills are taking place from Wednesday</p>.<p>On its arrival at the Jubail port, the ship was given a warm welcome by officials of the Royal Saudi naval forces.</p>.<p>The exercise is taking place amid rising tension in the Gulf region after a drone attack on a merchant tanker off Oman killed a British national and a Romanian citizen over a week back.</p>.<p>The UK and the US pointed fingers at Iran for the attack on MV Mercer Street, operated by an Israeli-owned firm. Tehran has already rejected the charges.</p>.<p>In December last year, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane visited the UAE and Saudi Arabia in a first-ever visit by a head of the Indian Army to the two important Gulf countries. </p>
<p>India and Saudi Arabia are all set to conduct their first-ever naval exercise, in reflection of their growing defence and military cooperation, officials said on Tuesday.</p>.<p>Indian Navy's guided-missile destroyer INS Kochi reached Saudi Arabia on Monday for the "Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 2021" exercise.</p>.<p>The warship went to Saudi Arabia after carrying out a naval exercise with the UAE Navy off the coast of Abu Dhabi on Saturday, they said.</p>.<p>The harbour phase of the "Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 2021" exercise began on Monday while the sea-based drills are taking place from Wednesday</p>.<p>On its arrival at the Jubail port, the ship was given a warm welcome by officials of the Royal Saudi naval forces.</p>.<p>The exercise is taking place amid rising tension in the Gulf region after a drone attack on a merchant tanker off Oman killed a British national and a Romanian citizen over a week back.</p>.<p>The UK and the US pointed fingers at Iran for the attack on MV Mercer Street, operated by an Israeli-owned firm. Tehran has already rejected the charges.</p>.<p>In December last year, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane visited the UAE and Saudi Arabia in a first-ever visit by a head of the Indian Army to the two important Gulf countries. </p>