Editorial of the Day (16 Dec): Bridging the Gulf

Context: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman’s visit to India marks a significant step in the long-standing and evolving relationship between the two nations, emphasising their strategic partnership.

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India-Oman relations

• In February 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a landmark visit to Oman. During this visit, key agreements were reached on trade, defence, and security, strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.
• Strategic Location of Oman: Oman is India’s closest neighbour in the Arabian Gulf region. Its strategic location is of great importance to India, with Omani ports along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman serving as vital maritime access points.
• Key Strategic Partner: Oman, along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is one of India’s key strategic partners in the Gulf region. These countries play a crucial role in India’s regional and economic interests.
• Strong Historical Connection: The ruling family of Oman has historically had a strong connection with India. Sultan Qaboos was favourably disposed towards India, encouraging Indian companies and professionals to undertake projects and source supplies from India.
• Large Indian Community: India and Oman share close people-to-people ties, with a large Indian community of approximately seven lakh people residing in Oman. This Indian diaspora has contributed to the strengthening of bilateral relations.
• Oman’s Neutral Foreign Policy: Oman has maintained a foreign policy based on moderation and mediation, including a deliberate policy of neutrality in regional conflicts. It has balanced relations with Western powers, GCC countries, and neighbouring Iran. Oman played a key role in diffusing tensions during the Persian Gulf crisis in 2019.
• Role in International Diplomacy: Oman played a significant role in the Iran nuclear deal in July 2015, contributing to diplomatic efforts for stability in the region. It also refrained from joining the diplomatic standoff with Qatar in 2017 when other GCC countries severed ties.
• Regional Significance: Oman’s importance in the region is underscored by its ability to host diplomatic visits and negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Oman in October 2018 highlighted Oman’s role in regional diplomacy.

Areas of Cooperation

• Defence and Security: A Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2005 underpins the defence and security engagement.
  • Oman is the first Gulf country to hold joint exercises with all three wings of India’s defence forces.
  • Indian naval ships have been involved in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Oman since 2012-13, and Oman allows overflights/transit by Indian military aircraft.
• Trade and Commerce: Bilateral trade in FY 2022-23 reached $12.388 billion. There are over 6,000 India-Oman joint ventures in Oman, with an investment of over $7.5 billion. India was Oman’s second-largest market for crude oil exports in 2022.
• Digital Cooperation: The launch of the Rupay debit card in Oman in October 2022 reflects India’s initiative to promote digital public infrastructure globally.
• Space Cooperation: An MoU on space cooperation was signed during Modi’s visit, indicating future collaboration in this strategic area.
• Proposed Projects: Initiatives like the India-Middle-East-Europe Connectivity Corridor and a 1,400 km deep-sea pipeline from Oman to India for gas transfer highlight the evolving partnership.

India’s Gateway to West Asia

• Regional Stability and Peace: Oman’s neutral stance in regional conflicts and its role in promoting peace and moderation makes it an essential ally for India in ensuring regional stability.
• Multilateral Engagement: Oman’s participation in key regional groupings like the GCC, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, along with its balanced foreign policy, positions it as a critical gateway for India to West Asia.
• Future Collaborations: Prospects of cooperation in strategic areas like space, rare earth metals exploration, and infrastructure projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Connectivity Corridor (IMEEC) and undersea pipelines highlight the growing strategic dimension of the India-Oman partnership.

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