Bilateral relations
Bilateral relations between Oman and India are anchored in shared interests,
mutual understanding and respect for each other’s priorities, concerns and sensitivities. For India, Oman is a crucial ally in the Middle East, as well as a valuable, constructive player in regional diplomacy, and the partnership provides both strategic and economic benefits. Regular high-level visits and exchanges have been a key feature of this relationship: “India remains committed to nurture and expand its strategic partnership with Oman through enhancing the existing cooperation and identifying new areas for bilateral, regional and global collaboration”1.
Oman and India were among the ten countries that formed the “Indian Ocean Rim Association for regional Cooperation” (IORARC) in 1997, an organization which now consists of 19 countries. India is also one of the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement, of which Oman is a member. High level meetings between the two countries have led to various agreements:
1
i.
In April 1997, the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said visited India, during which he signed a Memoranda of Understanding on double taxation and scientific and technical cooperation in the field of agriculture, and another MoU on the promotion and protection of investment in the two countries, and in the field of civil aviation, and the program of cultural exchange. The visit culminated in the signing of an agreement on a joint venture for the production of fertilizers in Oman.
ii.
In 1991 a cultural agreement between India and Oman was signed to promote cooperation between the two peoples in the fields of education and literature. During a visit by former Prime Minister of India Narasimha Rao to Oman in June 1993, several joint projects between the two countries were launched and a joint ministerial committee for cooperation between the two countries was formed. In October 1996 during the visit of the former President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the fight against crime, and another one on cooperation in the field of agriculture. The two sides also signed an agreement of cooperation in the field of science and technology.
Embassy of India in Oman: https://www.indemb-oman.gov.in/ 155
