India and Oman held the third round of Army-to-Army Staff Talks in New Delhi to strengthen defence cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration under the Defence Cooperation Plan 2026.
Officials from both sides reviewed existing military ties and discussed expanding joint exercises, professional exchanges and advanced training programs. The discussions also covered capability development and professional military education to build a long-term partnership framework.
In a statement on X, the Indian Army said, “Indian Army strengthens defence cooperation with the Royal Army of Oman. The 3rd Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) between the Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman was held in New Delhi from 22–23 October 2025”.
The Army further added, “The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation through expanded joint exercises, expert exchanges in niche domains, and deepening training collaboration. Deliberations also covered capability development, professional military education and new avenues for partnership under the Defence Cooperation Plan 2026. A significant step forward in advancing military diplomacy and India-Oman defence cooperation”.
Oman remains India’s closest defence partner in the Gulf region and a key component of its broader strategic engagement in West Asia. It is the only Gulf nation that conducts joint exercises with all three branches of India’s armed forces.
Both nations have also worked together on maritime security initiatives in the Indian Ocean. In April 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (ROPCG) held their sixth High-Level Meeting in Muscat. The ICG delegation was led by Director General S. Paramesh, while the ROPCG was represented by Colonel Abdul Aziz Al Jabari, Commander ROPCG, according to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Oman.
Oman is also an important interlocutor for India in regional forums such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The two countries share close historical, cultural and geographic ties and maintain cordial relations built on mutual trust and cooperation.