India, Oman agree on collective resistance against a list of issues.

New Delhi: India and Oman agreed on the need for collective resistance against the challenge of terrorism, terrorist propaganda, abuse of cyberspace and misuse of new and emerging technologies, PTI reported.

At the 8th India-Oman strategic dialogue, the Indian team was led by Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri, while the Oman delegation was led by Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi, the Secretary General of the National Security Council of the Sultanate of Oman.

During the dialogue, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the close strategic partnership between India and Oman and highlighted the high priority accorded by the leadership of both countries to further enhance their strategic ties based on trust and mutual respect, people familiar with the matter said.

They said the discussions were held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including bilateral strategic and security cooperation, defence and regional security. Both sides reiterated the importance of preserving maritime safety and security in the region. It is learnt that both sides condemned in the strongest terms all forms and manifestations of terrorism and underscored the need to work collectively to fight this menace.

The people said the expansion of terrorist propaganda, misuse of new and emerging technologies, arms and drugs trafficking and abuse of cyberspace for recruitment, fundraising and disinformation have serious security implications for the region.

Therefore, they felt a collective and coordinated response was essential, the people said. Both sides reiterated the importance of the strategic dialogue as an important mechanism of bilateral cooperation between India and Oman. They agreed to hold the next round of the strategic dialogue in Oman in 2024.

Al-Kindi later visited India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval.