India-Oman Strategic Dialogue in Muscat, reaffirms bilateral ties

Muscat: The Ninth Strategic Dialogue between India and Oman was held in Muscat, discussing different issues concerning regional security and bilateral relations.

Shri Vikram Misri, Deputy National Security Adviser, National Security Council Secretariat represented India at the dialogue. During the visit to Muscat, Misri spoke with H.E. Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nomani, Oman Minister of Royal Office, and expressed his deep appreciation for the close cooperation between India and Oman. He mentioned the interest in fostering India-Oman ties in future.

During the Strategic Dialogue, both nations discussed the regional security situation resulting from the Gaza war and its effects on the Red Sea, the issues concerning the GCC region and the Middle East in general. On the bilateral front, both sides recalled the highly successful visit last year of His Majesty, the Sultan of Oman to India. The Indian side also appreciated Oman for their participation and cooperation in making the G20 Summit held in New Delhi last year a successful event.

Highlighting the historical nature of bilateral ties, both sides noted the positive impact of people-to-people contacts between India and Oman. India extended gratitude towards Oman for hosting a large number of Indians, who had contributed positively to the development of Oman. Implementing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership was also analyzed, noting that an early finalization would benefit both nations.

Both nations agreed to maintain all existing bilateral issues and to explore new areas for cooperation in future. Further, potential areas for cooperation were identified as strategic, military and security cooperation, apart from cooperation in disaster management, Oceanography and Artificial Intelligence. Both sides reaffirmed the long-standing ties between India and Oman and reiterated their commitment to taking all possible steps to maintain high levels of cooperation.

The dialogue forum, introduced in 2014, regularly held annual meetings in India and Oman. However, the meeting was cancelled in 2021 and 2022 on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.