SYNOPSIS
His Highness Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman’s historic state visit to India on December 16, 2023, marks a pivotal moment in their 5,000-year-old relationship. At the invitation of Her Excellency President Droupadi Murmu, His Highness is accompanied by a distinguished delegation, will receive a ceremonial welcome, symbolizing the deepening ties between the nations. The visit explores new avenues for collaboration in strategic, economic, and cultural spheres, solidifying the enduring friendship. Oman’s pivotal role in the Gulf region, active participation in international forums, and the potential to look south towards India amplify His Highness’s significance. The dynamic ministerial engagements, successful COVID-19 collaboration, and bilateral agreements underscore His Highness’s commitment to mutual progress. The robust economic relationship, impressive investment flows, and the establishment of Joint Working Groups reflect His Highness’s shared vision for regional stability and prosperity.
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Head of State of the Sultanate of Oman, will embark on a state visit to India on December 16, accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior ministers and officials.
In a historic first, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman will embark on a state visit to India at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations. Upon arrival, the Sultan will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further solidifying the warm relations between India and Oman.
India and Oman share a deep connection that stretches back over 5,000 years, evidenced by vibrant people-to-people contact. In 1955, this bond was formalized with the establishment of diplomatic relations, which were further strengthened in 2008 by elevating the partnership to a strategic level. India and Oman, bound by a centuries-old tapestry of friendship and trust, have nurtured a thriving partnership that benefits both nations. Their unwavering commitment to mutual respect and vibrant people-to-people connections forms the bedrock of this enduring relationship. This upcoming visit presents a golden opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration, paving the way for a future brimming with regional stability, progress, and prosperity for India and Oman.
Oman holds a crucial position for India, serving as a strategic partner in the Gulf region and a valuable voice within key international organizations like the AGCC, Arab League, and IORA. Moreover, Oman places significant importance on its relationship with India. This warm and cordial bond, spanning centuries, stems from historical maritime trade ties, the close connections between the Omani royal family and India, and the significant contributions of the Indian expatriate community to Oman’s development, acknowledged by the Omani government.
High-level visits between the two nations have been frequent and mutually enriching. Notably, Indian President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma and Vice-President Shri Krishna Kant graced Oman with their presence in 1996 and 1999 respectively. Further solidifying the ties, four Indian Prime Ministers – Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Shri P. V. Narasimha Rao, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Dr. Manmohan Singh – visited the Sultanate between 1985 and 2008. Reciprocating the gesture, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said visited India in 1997.
Ministerial-level engagement has also remained consistently active. In 2014 alone, H.E. Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Oman’s Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, visited India twice, marking a historic first by being the highest-ranking dignitary to greet the newly elected Indian government. Other noteworthy visits include those by the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs in May 2014, H.E. Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Oman’s Minister of Commerce & Industry in October 2014, and the Indian Minister of Petroleum and Gas in April 2014. The year 2015 saw the Indian External Affairs Minister pay an official visit to Oman, followed by the Minister of State for External Affairs attending the 5th India-Arab Partnership Conference in 2016. Finally, in 2017, the Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, once again visited India, further solidifying the enduring relationship between the two nations.
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos (1940-2020), the esteemed ruler of Oman and a key figure in forging close bilateral relations with India, passed away in January 2020. In recognition of his leadership and commitment to strengthening India-Oman ties, the Indian government declared a one-day national mourning on January 13th, 2020. In a further recognition of his stellar role in international diplomacy India posthumously awarded the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize to the Late HM Sultan Qaboos in March 2021.HM Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, cousin of Late HM Sultan Qaboos, ascended to the throne on January 11th, 2020.
High-level visits between India and Oman have meanwhile continued to strengthen the mutual relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for example, visited Oman in February 2018. Dr. Mahesh Sharma, then Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, participated in the Second UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture in December 2017. In July 2018, Shri Suresh Prabhu, then Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, visited Oman to co-chair the 8th India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting and the 9th India-Oman Joint Business Council. In December 2019, Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, visited Oman. Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister of Minority Affairs, conveyed India’s condolences on the passing of Sultan Qaboos in January 2020. In December 2020, Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, visited Oman.
Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi, then Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs (MRDA) visited India in September 2018. Mohammed Salim al-Toobi, then Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs, visited New Delhi in October 2018 to attend the 2nd IORA Ministerial meeting. Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi, then Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs (MRDA) visited India in February 2020 to attend DEFEXPO 2020. Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al-Harthy, Undersecretary for Diplomatic Affairs, Foreign Ministry visited India in January 2021 for India-Oman Strategic Consultative Group (IOSCG) meeting.
These frequent interactions at the highest levels are a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between India and Oman. These bonds are expected to continue to flourish in the years to come, contributing to mutual prosperity and regional stability.
India and Oman demonstrated strong collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic by facilitating the safe return of their respective citizens. The Omani government generously supported the Vande Bharat Mission and charter flights, enabling nearly 100,000 Indian nationals to return home between May and September 2020. Further strengthening connectivity, an air bubble agreement was implemented on October 1st, 2020. India’s commitment to its partner extended beyond repatriation, with the supply of 1 million HCQ tablets in April 2020 and a gift of 100,000 doses of Indian-made COVID-19 vaccines in January 2021. Additionally, India facilitated the return of Indian medical professionals to Oman and emerged as a dependable supplier of food and other essential commodities throughout the pandemic.
India and Oman have established Joint Working Groups (JWGs) in four crucial areas: Manpower, Agriculture, Health, and Science & Technology. Manpower has been a focal point of cooperation, with a dedicated JWG established under a 2008 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This JWG has convened six meetings so far, with the latest one taking place in New Delhi in February 2019. The meeting was led by the Welfare Adviser to the Omani Manpower Minister. The first meeting of the JWG on Agriculture was held in Muscat in November 2012, paving the way for continued collaboration in this domain. The second meeting is scheduled to take place in India, further solidifying cooperation in agricultural development. Science & Technology is a growing area of collaboration, with the inaugural meeting of the JWG held in September 2019. This forum provides a platform for joint research and development initiatives, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange. Healthcare is also on the agenda for closer engagement. The proposal for a dedicated JWG on Health is under discussion, indicating a commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and improving public health outcomes in both nations.
India and Oman have signed agreements for cooperation in a range of critical sectors such as Health; Tourism; Military Cooperation; peaceful uses of Outer Space; visa exemption for diplomats/officials; Legal and Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters; Extradition; legal and judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters; Agriculture; Civil Aviation; Avoidance of Double Taxation; Standards and Measures; Manpower; Maritime Issues; Maritime Transport; Joint Investment Fund; and Cultural Cooperation. Furthermore, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed to formalize collaboration between key institutions: Oman’s National Defence College (NDC) and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) of India about strengthening defence research and analysis cooperation. FSI and Omani Diplomatic Institute have signed an agreement on enhancing cooperation in diplomatic training and capacity building. State Audit Institution of Oman and the Office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India have agreed to work together on promoting transparency and accountability in public finances.
India and Oman have a strong and growing economic relationship, with both countries prioritizing closer ties. This collaboration is reviewed through the joint efforts of the Indo-Oman Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and the Indo-Oman Joint Business Council (JBC). The last session of the JCM, co-chaired by the Commerce and Industry Ministers, took place in July 2018, followed by a virtual meeting in October 2020. The JBC provides a platform for business leaders from both countries to connect and explore opportunities.
India is one of Oman’s top trading partners, ranking among the top three for both imports and non-oil exports. In 2019, bilateral trade amounted to US$ 5.93 billion, and despite a dip to US$ 4.6 billion in 2020-21 due to the pandemic, the relationship remains robust. Major Indian exports include mineral fuels, textiles, machinery, and food products, while Oman primarily exports urea, LNG, and raw materials like Chromite ore to India.
Bilateral investment flows are also impressive, with Indian firms establishing over 4100 enterprises in Oman, representing an estimated investment of US$ 7.5 billion. The Oman-India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF), a joint venture between State Bank of India and Oman’s State General Reserve Fund, has played a key role in facilitating these investments. Indian companies have made significant investments in various sectors across Oman, including iron and steel, cement, fertilizers, and automotive. Notably, Indian entities represent the largest foreign investor group in Sohar, with a total investment exceeding US$2 billion. Additionally, Indian companies have established a strong presence in Salalah and the Duqm Special Economic Zone, contributing to the region’s economic growth.
India and Oman work closely in the domain of knowledge sharing. Under the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, Omani officials receive training in various fields at premier Indian institutions. This program fosters knowledge sharing and strengthens the bilateral partnership further.
India and Oman enjoy a close cultural connection, fostered by millennia of people-to-people interaction, a large Indian community in Oman, and their shared geography. The Indian Social Club, with its diverse wings dedicated to different regions, languages, and sports, actively promotes Indian culture in Oman. They celebrate national holidays, festivals, and the vibrant cultural tapestry of India. Yoga enjoys particular popularity in Oman, attracting both Indian expatriates and the local population.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation, signed in July 2010 and automatically renewed every five years, serves as a foundation for India and Oman’s vibrant cultural exchange. This commitment manifested in the inaugural “Festival of India in Oman” held from November 2016 to March 2017, officially launched by the then Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Further solidifying their cultural bond, a delegation led by the chairman of Oman’s National Records & Achieves visited India in June 2019. This was followed by Mr. Jamal al-Moosawi, then Director General of the National Museum of Oman, who embarked on a visit from August 25 to September 3, 2019, under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations’ Distinguished Visitor’s Program (DVP). During his stay, Mr. al-Moosawi delivered insightful lectures on India-Oman relations at esteemed institutions like the National Museum, Institute of History of Art, Conservation & Museology, and Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).
Underscoring the growing people-to-people and business-to-business ties, Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the establishment of the Oman-India Friendship Association in November 2020. This association, comprising prominent Omani and Indian businessmen, promises to be a catalyst for further collaboration and cultural exchange.
As recently as last October, V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs, visited Muscat, Oman, and addressed the thriving Indian community at Muscat, highlighting India’s significant progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership during the “Amritkaal” period and emphasizing the crucial role the Indian diaspora in Oman plays as an integral part of the global Indian family.
Muraleedharan held a crucial dialogue with Oman’s Minister of Economy, Said Al Saqri, exploring explored potential avenues of cooperation and discussed key aspects of the India-Oman economic relationship, reaffirming their commitment to bolstering economic bonds between the two countries. This marks Muraleedharan’s third official visit to Oman. This visit signified India’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Oman on various fronts, including economy, culture, and people-to-people connections. *Dr Maheep is an Expert on the Arabian Gulf States and a Critical analyst of International Relations and Global Politics.