Emphasis on Strong Ties with Moderate Voice of the Gulf
At the summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on 16 December, the two countries embarked on a new journey by establishing a joint vision to enhance their bilateral relationship, drawing on each other’s experiences. For strategic reasons, they have decided to maintain the confidentiality of this vision document temporarily.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted in the beginning of delegation level talks, “today marks a historic day in India-Oman relations, as we welcome Sultan Haitham of Oman to India after 26 years. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I I extend a heartfelt greeting.”
Prime Minister Modi also said that India and Oman shared a centuries-old unbreakable bond, anchored by mutual closeness beyond geography, evident in our longstanding trade, culture, and shared priorities. Situated at opposite ends of the Arabian Sea, our countries are now forging a bright future with the new ‘India-Oman Joint Vision – A Partnership for Future’, encompassing concrete action points across 10 areas.
Highlighting the importance of the joint vision, the Prime Minister said that the Joint Vision is intended to strengthen the bilateral partnership according to present days’ needs.
A consensus has also reached on progress in the CEPA (comprehensive economic partnership agreement)talks.
India and Oman signed five key agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation. The first agreement focuses on cultural exchange, involving the Ministries of Culture from both nations. The second MoU aims to strengthen ties in the field of Information Technology between MEITY of India and MTCIT of Oman. The third agreement facilitates gainful employment for accompanying persons of official employees from both countries. Another significant MoU involves cooperation between the Financial Intelligence Units of both nations, enhancing efforts in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. Lastly, a collaboration between the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Dhofar University establishes an ICCR Chair of Indian Studies, focusing on Hindi Language. These agreements mark a significant step in deepening the multifaceted partnership between India and Oman.
Oman is considered a moderate nation in the middle east. It has its say in negotiations related to middle eastern issues. India’s emphasis on strengthening relations between the two countries is intended to increase its say in the gulf affairs as well as to safeguard the interests of Indians working in those countries. Understanding its importance, India had invited Oman as one of the guest nations to participate in G20 Summit under India’s presidency.
