Article:
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence of the Sultanate of Oman is currently on a visit to India. During his stay, he will co-chair the Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) with India’s Defence Secretary. The essence of this collaboration extends far beyond the recent meetings; it seeps into the fabric of shared history, culture, and strategic partnerships.
India-Oman Relations: A Maritime History
The geographic proximity of India and Oman, nestled across the Arabian Sea, has paved the way for enduring relations that culminated in strategic partnership in 2008. The ties forged are an outcome of historical maritime trade linkages. The bonds run deep, dating back to 5000 years of people-to-people contact. Diplomatic relations were officially established in 1955, further solidifying this camaraderie. In recognition of these efforts, Gandhi Peace Prize 2019 was conferred on Late HM Sultan Qaboos.
Oman’s strategic positioning enhances its importance for India in the Gulf. It engages in key dialogues at international platforms such as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League, and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Defence Relations: The JMCC’s Role
The JMCC, a leading forum for India-Oman engagement in defence matters, generally convenes annually. However, it hasn’t been organised since 2018, making the latest meeting critical. The committee aims to assess ongoing defence exchanges and create a roadmap to strengthen the ties further. Joint military exercises, including Al Najah (Army), Eastern Bridge (Air Force), and Naseem Al Bahr (Naval Exercise), form part of this defence collaboration.
Economic & Commercial Relations: Mutual Prosperity
Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and Joint Business Council (JBC) facilitate economic cooperation between the two countries. India ranks among Oman’s leading trading partners and forms a significant source of imports. Major Indian financial institutions and companies have made their mark in Oman, diversifying in industries like iron and steel, cement, textiles, etc. The India-Oman Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF) has been operational to invest in India.
Indian Community in Oman: A Strong Representation
The Indian community in Oman contributes significantly to the local workforce, with about 4.8 lakh professionals. Some Indian families have been residing in Oman for more than 150-200 years. The educational needs of Indian children are met by several Indian schools teaching the CBSE syllabus.
Oman’s Strategic Significance for India
Oman is positioned at the gateway of Strait of Hormuz, supplying one-fifth of India’s oil imports. The significance of defence cooperation is eminent, guided by a recently renewed Framework MOU in 2021. Regular bilateral exercises and staff talks between all three services of the Indian armed forces foster trust and cooperation. In addition, Oman also provides operational support to Indian naval deployments for anti-piracy missions.
Port of Duqm: A Strategic Move
India’s access to the key Port of Duqm in Oman for military use and logistical support bolsters its footprint in the Indian Ocean region. It also serves as an effective strategy against Chinese influence. The Port of Duqm oversees the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, lying close to Chabahar port in Iran. Furthermore, Indian companies are investing about USD 1.8 billion in Duqm’s special economic zone.
A Sustainable Energy Partnership
Given the growing energy demand in India and the lack of resources to meet it, long-term energy partnerships are crucial. In this context, Oman’s Duqm Port, located in the international shipping lanes connecting East with West Asia, serves as a potential solution. By working closely with Oman, India can not only strengthen its strategic depth in the region but also bolster its Indo-Pacific vision in the Western and Southern Part of the Indian Ocean.