S Jaishankar meets Omani diplomat to improve India-Oman relations
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke about the robust ties between India and Oman during his meeting with Khalifa al-Harthy, Oman's Under Secretary for Political Affairs.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for the growing bilateral cooperation. "Glad to receive Khalifa al-Harthy, Under Secretary for Political Affairs of Oman today. Noted our wide-ranging cooperation and new opportunities in trade, investments, technology, and space," he wrote.
Oman is a vital strategic ally for India in the Gulf region and plays a key role in regional organizations like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The partnership between the two nations is built on millennia-old cultural and geographical links, with formal diplomatic ties established in 1955.
The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2008, reflecting deeper political and economic collaboration. Oman is India’s oldest regional strategic partner, and their alliance now extends to advanced fields such as space exploration, rare earth minerals, and cybersecurity.
The partnership has been bolstered by high-level exchanges, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oman in 2018 and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s trip in 2023. Oman also participated as a guest country during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, highlighting its significance in India’s West Asia policy.
The vibrant Indian community in Oman, numbering nearly 685,000, has been instrumental in strengthening bilateral ties. This group includes professionals like doctors, engineers, and educators, alongside families who have lived in Oman for generations, with some tracing their roots back over 150 years.
Oman’s appreciation for the Indian expatriate community is evident in the acknowledgment of their contributions to the nation’s development. The community’s welfare is actively supported by social organizations, Indian schools educating over 40,000 students, and religious institutions serving diverse faiths.