Oman is a strategically located nation that shares borders with Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. It lies on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and is a key player in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), two critical organizations dedicated to regional cooperation.
India-Oman Defence Cooperation and Exercises
India and Oman have a robust defence relationship that sees regular cooperation through joint military exercises, such as the Al Najah Army exercise, the Eastern Bridge Air Force exercise, and the Naseem Al Bahr Naval Exercise.
Port of Duqm and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium
The port of Duqm holds strategic importance for India in the Indian Ocean region, and its agreements with Oman allow it access to this port for military use and logistical support. This, along with India’s participation in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), shapes India’s maritime security roadmap.
Bilateral Groupings and Agreements Between India and Oman
Bilateral relations between India and Oman are overseen by institutions like the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and Joint Business Council (JBC). The India-Oman Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF) is an example of a joint venture between the countries aimed at investment in India.
Programme of Cooperation (POC) in the Fields of Science and Technology
Recently, both nations signed a Programme of Cooperation in the fields of Science and Technology for the period 2022 – 2025. The POC seeks to support joint scientific projects, encourage the exchange of experts, and hold workshops to disseminate research results.
Effect of Policies and Politics on India’s Interests
The policies and political actions of countries, particularly those in the Gulf region, directly affect India’s interests. For example, changes in Oman’s policies might impact the around 6.2 lakh Indians living and working there.
India-Oman Relations: A Historical Overview
India and Oman share warm and cordial relations that have been built on historical maritime trade linkages. The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India in the Gulf and has also played a constructive role in fostering peace in the region.
Oman’s Significance for India
Oman holds strategic importance for India as it sits at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, through which India imports a significant amount of its oil. Furthermore, the close cooperation between the defence forces of the two nations form a crucial part of their strategic partnership.
Implications for India’s Energy Security and Strategy
With India’s increasing energy demand, partnerships with countries like Oman become crucial. Oman’s Duqm Port is strategically situated along international shipping lanes connecting East with West Asia. This provides India with opportunities to enhance its energy security and strategic depth in the region.
Closing Remarks
India’s relationship with Oman is multidimensional, encompassing areas such as defence, science and technology, economic cooperation, and people-to-people ties. It is pivotal for India to maintain and further strengthen this relationship to safeguard its interests and boost its influence in the region.
