NEW DELHI - The commander of the UAE naval forces, Rear Admiral Ahmed Mohammed Al Sabab Al-Tenaiji, who embarks on a three-day visit to India Tuesday, is likely to be presented with evidence of terrorists from Pakistan using the sea route to stage their attacks on Mumbai, navy sources said.

The visit of Al-Tenaiji, who graduated from the Pakistan Naval Academy in 1978, has gained significance in the aftermath of the Nov 26-29 Mumbai terror attack. It is understood that India would try to present the evidence gathered so far in the investigations and seek the support of UAE, one of Pakistan’s closest allies.

‘The UAE naval commander will meet Indian Navy chief (Admiral Sureesh Mehta). In the light of the terrorists using the sea route to enter Mumbai, the issue becomes important for all the navies,’ a naval officer said.

‘And keeping in mind that the commander has graduated from the Pakistan Naval Academy, he will have necessary background to understand the situation,’ he added.

Al-Tenaiji is a communications specialist and has qualified in watch keeping from the US, done a Missile Boat Surveillance Course from Europe, a Staff Course from Egypt and a War Course from the US.

He will also go to Mumbai during his visit. His son, Sub-Lt. Khalifa Ahmed Mhammed Al Sabab Al-Tenaiji is undergoing a Logistics Course with the Indian Navy in Mumbai.

‘In Mumbai, the commander will also visit the shipbuilding facility at Mazagon Dockyard, where the Scorpene submarines are under construction,’ the sources added.

The other issue that would configure in his talks with Indian Navy chief is the spike in piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden, which has affected the global trade by sea. The Indian Navy has permanently deployed a warship in the region.