Iran, Russia, China Start Joint Maritime Drills In Indian Ocean, Sea of Oman

By Staff, Agencies

Iran, Russia and China kicked off a four-day joint maritime exercise in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman area.

The event, codenamed "Marine Security Belt," will last until Monday.

On Wednesday, Spokesman of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi said the event was meant to promote the security of international trade in the strategic regions, adding that sharing experience in maritime rescue operations was also to be pursued in the maneuvers.

On Thursday, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian announced that Beijing's Xining guided-missile destroyer would take part in the drills. Reports added that three Russian vessels are also taking part in the drills.

The event is the first such cooperation with Iran since the 1979 victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.

It comes amid US efforts to woo countries into a maritime coalition for patrols in the Gulf region, which have received lukewarm welcome from its allies.