India and Oman recently made headlines again with the renewal of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on military cooperation and maritime security. This article intends to provide an in-depth, fact-driven look into this bilateral relationship, its historical basis, institutional mechanisms facilitating economic cooperation, and key agreements signed between the two nations. Additionally, we will discuss defence collaboration, maritime cooperation, and the strategic significance of this partnership within the larger geopolitical landscape.
The Relationship Between India And Oman
India and Oman share a strategic partnership firmly established on geographical proximity, shared history and cultural ties, and mutual respect. The Sultanate of Oman plays a significant role at international platforms such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League, and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and has always engaged India in these dialogues. Although India is not a member of the GCC or Arab League, it holds a membership in IORA.
The warm relations that India and Oman enjoy are also a result of ancient maritime trade connections, the Omani Royal family’s close ties with India, and the essential role played by the Indian expatriate community in Oman’s development ā a contribution widely acknowledged by the Omani Government. Institutional mechanisms such as Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and Joint Business Council (JBC) play an integral part in overseeing the economic collaboration between the two countries.
Key Bilateral Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding
Several key bilateral agreements or MoUs signed between India and Oman encompass various domains. They cover defence cooperation; peaceful uses of Outer Space; Extradition; Legal and judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters; Agriculture; Civil Aviation; Avoidance of Double Taxation; Maritime issues; and more.
Defence Cooperation: A Long-standing Alliance
Oman stands among India’s oldest defence partners in West-Asia and is a reliable ally in anti-piracy campaigns. It is noteworthy that India has supplied rifles to Oman and is contemplating setting up a defence production unit there. Besides, both countries conduct regular biennial bilateral exercises between all three services – Army (Al Najah), Air Force (Eastern Bridge), and Naval (Naseem Al Bahr).
Maritime Cooperation: Pathway To Enhanced Security
Oman’s geographical location at the gateway of the Strait of Hormuz adds the essence to this partnership. The strait is the route for one-fifth of India’s oil imports. Thus, the berth rights granted by Oman to Indian vessels are crucial for the Indian Navy to execute anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. In 2018, India signed a pact with Oman for access to Duqm port, marking another significant step in strengthening maritime cooperation.
Strategic Significance: Counterbalancing Regional Power Dynamics
India’s alliance with Oman is vital in the Indian Ocean region as it seeks to counterbalance the increasing Chinese influence. There are growing concerns about China’s acquisition of strategic assets in the region, including its base at Port of Doraleh in Djibouti. In this context, India’s collaboration with Oman aims to enhance strategic depth in the region and strengthen its Indo-Pacific vision, particularly in the Western and Southern part of the Indian Ocean.