Oman and India: A Deepening Partnership Spanning Millennia
In a recent interview, Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, described the nation’s relationship with India as “close,” emphasizing that “the sky’s the limit” for their partnership. Speaking in Muscat during the Indian Ocean Conference, Al Busaidi highlighted the extensive history shared by the two countries, noting that while they are commemorating 70 years of formal diplomatic relations this year, their connection spans over 5,000 years. He expressed gratitude for the “beautiful, constructive, close relationship” between the peoples of Oman and India.
Celebrating a Historic Milestone
To mark this significant anniversary, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Al Busaidi jointly unveiled a commemorative logo and released a book titled “Mandvi to Muscat,” which details the rich diaspora connections between the two nations. Al Busaidi emphasized the vast potential for further growth and collaboration across various sectors, urging governments, the private sector, and the youth of both countries to seize these opportunities.
High-Level Visits Strengthening Ties
The relationship has been further solidified through high-level visits. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to India in December 2023 underscored the strength of bilateral relations. During this visit, discussions with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as economy, technology, energy, trade, and investment. The visit concluded with the adoption of a joint vision, highlighting both nations’ desire to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and to collaborate in fields like maritime security, counter-terrorism, and space technologies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oman in 2018 also played a pivotal role in reinforcing ties. Additionally, during India’s G20 Presidency, Oman was invited as a guest country, reflecting the mutual respect and strategic importance both nations place on their relationship.
Robust Defense and Security Cooperation
Defense collaboration stands as a cornerstone of the Oman-India partnership. Oman is India’s oldest defense partner in the Gulf, with formal ties established in 1972. The two countries engage in regular joint military exercises across all three services. The naval exercise “Naseem Al Bahr” was last held in November 2022, while the army exercise “Al Najah” took place in September 2024. These exercises enhance interoperability and reflect a shared commitment to regional security.
Moreover, Oman provides critical logistical support to the Indian Navy, granting access to its ports for anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. This cooperation underscores the strategic importance both nations place on maintaining maritime security in the region.
Economic Engagement and Future Prospects
Economic relations between Oman and India have witnessed significant growth. Bilateral trade more than doubled from USD 5.4 billion in 2020-21 to USD 12.3 billion in 2022-23. Both countries are actively negotiating the CEPA, aiming to further boost trade and investment flows.
In 2022, Oman experienced a surge in Indian tourist arrivals, with over 355,000 travelers visiting the country, marking a 200% increase from the previous year. This surge positioned India as Oman’s second-largest source of tourists, highlighting the deep-rooted people-to-people connections and the potential for further growth in tourism and cultural exchanges.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The enduring relationship between Oman and India is built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared history, and strategic cooperation. As both nations look to the future, there is a clear commitment to deepening ties across various sectors, including defense, economy, technology, and culture. With leadership on both sides advocating for enhanced collaboration, the Oman-India partnership is poised to reach new heights, truly embodying the sentiment that “the sky’s the limit.”
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