India and Oman Bilateral Relations
Recently a meeting was held between the Foreign Ministers of India and Oman.
India and Oman agreed to finalize bilateral protocol on investment, and avoidance of double taxation, at the earliest.
Both the countries have also agreed to enhance cooperation in areas like renewable energy, green hydrogen etc.
India-Oman Relations:
- Political Relations: Oman is a strategic partner of India in the Gulf region. At the same time, it is also an important interlocutor in forums such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Diplomatic relations with Oman were established in the year 1955. In 2008, these ties were upgraded to “Strategic Partnerships”.
- Defence: It is the only country in the Gulf region, with which the three armies of the Indian Armed Forces conduct regular bilateral exercises. Oman also provides critical operational support to the Indian Navy for anti-piracy operations in the Arabian Sea.
- Strategic: India has gained access to Oman’s Duqm port for military use and logistics support. This is a part of India’s strategy to counter Chinese influence in the region.
- Economic and Commercial: For Oman in the year 2019, India was the third largest updated source for its imports and the third largest market for Oman’s crude oil exports.
Source – The Hindu
