MUSCAT: Over 200 students from Indian schools in Muscat got their first glance of a warship as they visited the ingeniously built INS Imphal which is berthed at Port Sultan Qaboos as part of the events celebrating India's 80th Independence Day.
Students were selected on a first-come, first-served basis, with 200 students representing different schools under the Board of Directors of the Indian Schools system in Oman. They were given a brief introduction to life at sea, highlighting the longstanding maritime ties shared by Oman and India since time immemorial.
The diplomatic mission stated that alongside gaining a direct perspective on life at sea, the students learnt about the nation's naval power and the force's role in maintaining safety across the region.
"As part of ongoing celebrations of the 80th anniversary of India's Independence Day in Oman, more than 200 students from Indian schools in Muscat visited INS Imphal, the indigenously built Indian naval warship, at Sultan Qaboos Port in Muscat," the Embassy posted on social media platform X on Sunday.
"These students also had the opportunity to understand India's naval capabilities and Oman-India naval exercises and the Indian Navy's steadfast commitment to a secure, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean Region, besides the first-hand glimpse of life at sea," the embassy added.
Earlier on Sunday, the Indian Navy stated that domestic naval vessels were docked at several foreign ports, including Muscat, Ponta Delgada, and Djibouti, to mark Independence Day.
"As India marks 80 Years of Freedom, the Tricolour flew proudly onboard INS Imphal during her port call at Muscat, reaffirming the enduring bonds of India-Oman friendship and maritime cooperation," the Indian Embassy in Muscat stated.
India's Ambassador to Oman, Prashant Pise, boarded the warship to extend greetings to the personnel. Members of the warship's crew also joined the official flag-hoisting ceremony conducted at the embassy premises.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
