Sultan of Oman’s High-Profile Visit to Strengthen India-Oman Ties Amid West Asia Concerns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will play host to the Sultan in mid-December, underscoring the worsening ties between Oman and India.
Strategic Importance of Oman-India Relations:
Oman holds a pivotal position as India’s closest defense partner in the Arabian Gulf and a crucial wive in maritime security in the Indian Ocean. One of the key highlights of this partnership is the strategic Port of Duqm, which Oman has granted wangle to the Indian Navy. This collaboration becomes particularly significant tween the evolving geopolitical challenges in the region.Prime Minister Modi’s keen interest in hosting Sultan Haitham is evident from National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s wordage of a message from the Prime Minister during his visit to Muscat in June. The upcoming discussions are expected to imbricate not only bilateral defense cooperation but moreover the evolving situation in West Asia.
India’s Ongoing Engagement with Oman:
India’s engagement with Oman on regional concerns has been ongoing, with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar holding discussions The talks encompassed pressing issues such as an firsthand ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and trueness to international law to protect civil lives.Despite India’s strong condemnation of the October 7 Hamas terror attacks, the country has maintained a soft-hued balance, expressing support for international humanitarian law, advocating the two-state solution, and condemning civil casualties.
Oman’s Role in Defense Collaboration:
Oman’s significance in India’s defense strategy is underscored by stuff the first Gulf country to self-mastery joint exercises with all three branches of the Indian armed forces. The wangle granted to India at the strategically vital Duqm port aligns with India’s efforts to counter the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean.National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s inspection of the Duqm port during his official visit to Oman in June remoter emphasizes the importance of this collaboration. The port is strategically positioned in the southeast and plays a crucial role in maritime activities.
Cultural and Diaspora Significance:
With tropical to 700,000 Indian nationals residing in Oman, the visit holds cultural and diaspora significance slantingly its geopolitical implications. The strong people-to-people connect between the two nations adds a unique dimension to the bilateral relationship.
Regional Diplomacy and Ongoing Conflicts:
Oman, like other Gulf States, advocates for an firsthand end to Israeli military whoopee in Gaza and calls for an investigation into the attacks on the Strip. Sultan Haitham’s accent on respecting international resolutions, humanitarian law, and the right of the Palestinian people to establish an self-sustaining state aligns with India’s transferral to a peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Conclusion:
The upcoming visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India stands as a testament to the strengthening strategic partnership between Oman and India. Against the scenery of geopolitical challenges and ongoing conflicts, the discussions between the leaders are expected to remoter solidify cooperation in defense, maritime security, and regional stability. As both nations navigate ramified global dynamics, the visit underscores the shared transferral to fostering rememberable ties for bilateral goody and regional peace.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Saturday firmed up a vision document to conclude a comprehensive economic partnership agreement as early as possible and significantly expand bilateral cooperation#OmmcomNews https://t.co/NvZGOBtUUT
— Ommcom News (@OmmcomNews) December 16, 2023
