The long-reigning monarch of Oman, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, has recently passed away. Serving as the longest-standing ruler in the Arab world, his reign began in 1970 when he displaced his father in a bloodless coup at the tender age of 29. He held power in Oman for nearly 50 years. After Sultan Qaboos’s passing, his cousin, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, was inaugurated as his successor.
About Oman
Established as the most ancient independent state within the Arab world, Oman is situated on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. This location places it at the intersection of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.
The Geography of the Country
Oman’s internal landscape is largely dominated by the Rubʿal-Khali desert. Bedouin nomads still inhabit this region. Bedouins are Arabic-speaking people who lead a nomadic lifestyle in Middle Eastern deserts. They are found in many areas, particularly in North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, Israel, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan.
Political Structure of Oman
Oman operates under a monarchy (sultanate) system, and its governance includes two advisory bodies. The sultan serves as the ultimate authority in decision making. Moreover, he carries the responsibilities of the prime minister, supreme commander of the armed forces, and minister of defense, finance, and foreign affairs. Notably, Oman also acknowledges and accepts various forms of worship.
In 2013, Oman played a pivotal role as an independent mediator by facilitating covert talks between the United States and Iran. These discussions led to the landmark nuclear deal in 2015. Oman stands out among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as it refrained from joining the Saudi-led military coalition against Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen.
India-Oman Relations
Oman holds importance for India as a significant partner in the Gulf region, and serves as an essential participant at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League, and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) platforms. Oman places high importance on its relationship with India, which is fostered by geographical proximity, historical maritime trade linkages, and cultural similarities.
| Indian population in Oman | Oman’s ranking among India’s trade partners | Indian investment sectors in Oman | |
|---|---|---|---|
| About 800,000 | 3rd largest source of imports and 3rd largest non-oil export market (2018) | Iron and steel, cement, fertilizers, textiles, chemicals, automotive, etc. |
Furthermore, around 800,000 Indians reside in Oman. As of 2018, India was the third-largest source of Oman’s imports and the third-largest market for its non-oil exports. Indian businesses have heavily invested in various sectors like iron and steel, cement, fertilizers, textiles, chemicals, automotive, and more.