New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS): Indian navy ships Deepak, Delhi, Tabar and Trishul are on a month-long deployment to the Gulf to enhance bilateral ties and engage in naval exercises with friendly regional navies, an official statement said on Thursday.

The visiting ships form part of the Indian Navy's Mumbai-based Western Fleet.

Of the four ships, INS Delhi and INS Trishul entered Saudi Arabia's Al-Jubail on Thursday and will stay there till Sep 13.

The ships will have professional interactions to enhance co-operation and understanding the nuances of naval operations including disaster management and combating maritime threats of terrorism and piracy.

Apart from professional interactions, sports and social engagements are also planned, which are aimed at enhancing co-operation and understanding between the navies, the statement said.

The statement added the visit seeks to underscore India's peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries in the Gulf and strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between India and Saudi Arabia.