Maritime Security Maritime security is one of the most important aspects of Oman-India defence and security relations and cooperation in this area has become essential for both countries in safeguarding their waterways. While being one of the original members of IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), Oman has also played a central role in Indian maritime strategy and providing berthing rights and replenishments for Indian naval ships. India has benefitted from Oman’s strategic position, with the port of Duqm being a key strategic consideration for India. The port is located on the south-eastern coast of Oman, placing it in a unique strategic position. The Indian Navy has been providing training to the personnel of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) in Oman through Mobile Training Teams (MTTs) on an annual basis. Oman is also an important member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) which was pioneered by India as a regional initiative to discuss and deliberate upon maritime issues between the navies of the region. Omani airports constantly provide fuel and other essential services to the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy aircraft. In May 2016, India and Oman signed MoUs for cooperation in the field of maritime security and coastal security with a focus on joint training and regular interactions among its officials9. The maritime relations took a step forward when both countries signed a Maritime Transport Agreement on December 24, 2019 during Jaishankar’s
Munu Mahawar and Said bin Hamdoon al Harthy signing the Maritime Transport Agreement, 2019
9 Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence. (2016, May 22). ‘Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar visits Oman’ 168
