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PART Trade and Commerce 178
from OMAN-INDIA TIES, ACROSS SEA AND SPACE
by Oman Establishment for Press, Publishing & Advertising (OEPPA), Business Development Department
OMAN-INDIA TIES
ACROSS SEA AND SPACE
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Samuel Kutty Sandhya Rao Mehta
OMAN-INDIA TIES ACROSS SEA AND SPACE
Samuel Kutty Sandhya Rao Mehta
ISBN: 978-99969-3-642-5 MOI Reg No: 2021\3509
Printed and published by: Oman Daily Observer
(Ministry of Information) P.O. Box: 974, P. C: 100, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman. Email: info@omandilayobserver.om Tel. No.: + 968 24649195 www.omandilayobserver.om
Cover and book design: Ali Jawish
Copyright © 2020, Oman Daily Observer
All rights Received. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except brief extracts for the purpose of review, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher and copyright owner.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank everyone who contributed in making this book possible, particularly the Embassy of India, Muscat, Oman and the editorial staff at the Oman Daily Observer. Ambassador Munu Mahawar, Deputy Chief of Mission, Rakesh Adlakha and Second Secretaries Kannan Nair and Anuj Swarup have been central to this project from its initial stages. They have helped in providing primary material, sourcing archival photographs and interviews, as well as coordinating with various governmental departments, including the Ministry of External Affairs, India, and the Foreign Ministry of Oman. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Under Secretary of Ministry of Information, Oman, for all the support extended. Also, we thank Fatma al Ghailani, Prem Varghese, Karen Jane Stephen, and Abdulaziz al Shukaili of Ministry of Information for all their efforts that made this book possible. The contributions of Koshy Samuel and Liju Cherian, Editors of Oman Daily Observer have been of great value to the book. The authors would also like to thank The National Museum, Oman, particularly the Secretary General, HE Jamal al Moosawi, as well as Najat Al Mahdhoori, Director for Public Relations and Media, for their enthusiastic participation in this project. They both shared valuable time and their resources to introduce the relevant items at the museum which showcase Indian influence in Oman, and also allowed photographs to be taken for purposes of publication in this book. Al Moosawi also graciously gave a comprehensive talk on Oman-India relations for purposes of this publication. Much gratitude is also owed to the historical Indian families residing in Oman who eagerly explained their links with Oman for over 300 years. Vimal Purecha and Muneer Toprani frequently supported this project with their incisive comments and attention to detail, outlining their family history and introducing many other families who had not been detailed earlier in any other academic study. They also generously shared their personal archives and facilitated other historical photographs to be published in this book. The authors would also like to thank all those who participated in the interviews, in the historical as well as the trade and investment sections, for sharing their memories as well as their vision for the future of Oman-India relations. The various branches of the Indian Social Club in Muscat, Suhar and Salalah gave inputs on their activities over the last few years. The Indian School Board provided latest data on all the Indian schools across the Sultanate. We would also like to thank all the artists who allowed publication of their works, which highlight the Indo-Omani cultural impact. Thanks to Khalid al Balushi and Lina al Jamali for their inputs on the literary influences of India in Omani literature. A special thanks to Dr. Priti Sambhalwal for her assistance in conducting interviews for the book.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13 MESSAGES����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18 Introduction ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������26 Tribute to the Late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said ������������������������������������28
PART 1 Early History���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������32
Prehistoric connections .............................................................................................35 Ancient trade..............................................................................................................37 Arab explorers in the Indian Ocean ...........................................................................39 Omani traders in the Indian Ocean ............................................................................40 Maritime tradition......................................................................................................42 Dhows in the Indian Ocean .......................................................................................43 Cheraman Perumal in Salalah ...................................................................................46 India and Oman: 16th – 20th century ........................................................................59 The Indian communities in Oman .............................................................................61 • The Dhanji Morarji Family ...............................................................................63 • The Jerajani Family .........................................................................................65 • The Khimji Ramdas Group ...............................................................................68 • The Ratanshi Gordhandas Family ....................................................................72 • The Ratansi Purshottam Family ........................................................................75 • The Toprani Family ..........................................................................................78 • The Visoomal Damordas Family ......................................................................84 Women in the Indian diaspora in Oman ...................................................................86 Oman in India............................................................................................................89 The Royal Family connection to India ......................................................................89 INDIANS IN OMAN SINCE 1970 ........................................................................108 Migration to the Gulf.............................................................................................108 Remittances............................................................................................................108 Demographics of Indians in Oman ......................................................................109 Facilitating safe migration .....................................................................................112
PART 2 Exploring Cultural Connections�����������������������������������������������������������������������������114
Scientific influences.................................................................................................115 Linguistic and literary affinities ...............................................................................116 Sartorial and culinary connections ..........................................................................120 Fostering Oman-India artistic ties ...........................................................................122
Literature and cinema..............................................................................................123 Art and painting.......................................................................................................124 The Indian Social Club..........................................................................................125 Community service..................................................................................................127 Indian Social Club Sur.............................................................................................127 Faith and culture......................................................................................................128
PART 3 Diplomatic and Strategic Relations ������������������������������������������������������������������������142
The new government of Oman................................................................................144 Commitment to Vision 2040..................................................................................147 Omani media’s reactions to the new administration ..............................................148 Interview with Munu Mahawar, Indian Ambassador in Oman ...............................150 Bilateral relations.....................................................................................................155 Ministerial Visits from India..................................................................................159 Ministerial Visits from Oman................................................................................159 The visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Oman - 2018 160 MOU Agreements (1953-2019).............................................................................162 Foreign Policy: ‘Mutual Trust and Shared Values’ ................................................164 Defence and Maritime Security.............................................................................166 Maritime Security..................................................................................................168
PART 4 Trade and Commerce �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������178
Oman-India Bilateral Trade.....................................................................................179 Oman – India bilateral investments.........................................................................181 Indian investments.................................................................................................181 Joint investments....................................................................................................182 Joint meetings and visits........................................................................................183 Oman as an investment destination.........................................................................186 India as investment destination................................................................................198 SECTORAL COOPERATION................................................................................206 a.Agriculture and Fisheries....................................................................................206 b. Education...........................................................................................................211 c. Energy (Oil & Gas and Renewable Energy) ......................................................218 d. Health ................................................................................................................224 f. Science and technology .....................................................................................234 g. Tourism �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������237
Preface
Oman Daily Observer with support of Embassy of India in Muscat is honoured to present this book celebrating Oman-India ties as part of Oman’s 50th National Day and India’s 72st Republic Day. This landmark occasion is being observed under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik who succeeded the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said who steered Oman to become the modern nation that it is today.
In a first of its kind, this book brings together historical accounts, demographic data, economic surveys and institutional information through various memoranda of understanding, trade, defence, science and technology collaborations, as well as investment opportunities offered in Oman and India, all under one publication.
With details of commercial opportunities in Oman and India, accessible information on tax regulations and MoUs, which facilitate trade, this book offers ready to use information on commerce and trade between Oman and India.
The book is also peppered with personal interviews and vivid pictorial representations that reflect the millennia-old ties between the two coasts across the Arabian Sea as well as narratives of those who are engaged in the economic, commercial and artistic life of this vibrant community. It covers a range of issues, from pre-historic archeological findings, early maritime trade routes, individual narratives from both coasts of the Arabian Sea, as well as contemporary stories from those who have made Oman their home. Targeted at the casual and the academic reader, this book provides references and suggestions for further reading to those who may be interested in knowing and reading more on any specific area.
This book incorporates original photographs from a range of individuals and institutions, including The National Museum, Oman, the National Museum of India, the National Archives, Delhi, the Indian Embassy in Muscat, Oman, the Indian Social Club, the historical Indian community in Oman, as well as from individuals, including photographers and painters.
Abdullah bin Salim al Shueili Editor in Chief, Oman Daily Observer
Address to the Nation, 2020
HIS MAJESTY SULTAN HAITHAM BIN TARIK
THE SULTAN OF OMAN
Message on the occasion of the 50th National Day of Oman, 2020
RAM NATH KOVIND
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA
Introduction
Across Sea and Space is a tribute to Oman, the land and its people, as it celebrates its 50th National Day. It is also a celebration of the close ties of India with Oman, going back to the prehistoric past, enriched in the present with ties which are strategic, economic and scientific, but also familial, educational and cultural. While the civilizational ties between India and Oman can be ascribed to historical maritime trade linkages, it has been sustained through the millennia with close contact and travel, linking the two countries through the soft power of cultural exchanges and cemented by official pacts on trade and a variety of avenues of mutual interest, including defence, health, technology and education. Facilitated by physical proximity and long standing cultural ties, India and Oman share a deep cultural and commercial geography which has also led to influences in popular culture as well as literary and linguistic heritage. This book sketches this dynamic relationship, from its rich historic past to the multifaceted one it is today. It focuses on prehistorical relations between the two neighbours, separated, or united, by the Arabian Sea, tracing continuing ties throughout history. It also details economic, social, cultural and educational ties. This book also outlines the various official ties between the two governments, outlining memoranda of understanding, bilateral trade, defence agreements, strategic partnership pacts and investments in both countries. While outlining the Oman-India relationship in all its facets, this book also points to future possibilities which will ensure the continuity of meaningful ties between the two partners. Keeping in mind a range of readers, this book is divided into four sections. While the first two sections are based on wide academic readings and primary conversations with the community, the third and fourth sections include a vast range of official information sourced from various organizations and agencies. Part 1 outlines the historical linkages, tracing the coastal connections, from prehistoric material evidence through the early written references to Indian and Omani towns and cities, to more contemporary accounts. It also offers a longue durée account of maritime trade links around the Indian Ocean. Important landmark events which connect these regions together are also described, such as the events leading to building the first mosque in South India, Tipu Sultan’s trade overture and the famed role of Kutchi merchant Naruttim in defeating the Portuguese in Muscat. The presence of Omanis in Bombay, Ajmer, Pune and Hyderabad is explored, along with an account of the ancient families of the Indian community who can trace their ancestry back to more than 300 years, with some descendants tracing eight continuous generations in Oman. The second section of the book explores the rich linguistic, social and cultural influences evident in the everyday lives of people across both sides of the
Arabian Sea. Sartorial choices, culinary influences, as well as loan words in many languages, point to the multiple ways in which ties between India and Oman remain dynamic and constantly evolving. Such influences can be seen in a variety of avenues like film, art, literature and popular culture. There are references to India in Omani literature and Indians have used the awe-inspiring landscape of Oman to inspire and nurture their art. This is further enhanced by continuing educational and cultural exchanges which take place at the institutional and individual level. The prospects for further advancement of research in many different fields offer opportunities for continued cooperation. This section also examines the role of the Indian expatriate population and their contribution to Oman, along with some personal interviews with artists who have been impacted by the cultural history of Oman and reproduced it in their art.
The third section of this book looks at international cooperation between Oman and India through its bilateral relations. It elaborates on various official visits made by dignitaries of both countries to develop strategic ties. The fourth section focuses on bilateral trade and investments. It highlights the various sectors in which joint projects have been successfully implemented and gives data on specific industries and sectors. Ready to access information is provided in boxes on investment opportunities in India and Oman, providing a quick reference for those looking for accurate and current information on rules and regulations around commercial opportunities in both countries. The section ends with thoughts on future challenges and opportunities through reflections by a range of individuals who continute to be engaged in exploring and developing Oman-India relations. While the book is interspersed with photographs and maps, the various sections are divided by picture galleries to give readers an opportunity to visualise the various facets of the Oman-India connection from different angles. The photographs include iconic moments in Indo-Oman relations from the prehistoric past to contemporary times, as well as vignettes of everyday life as seen through the lens of various people. The photographs have been sourced from institutions and individuals and create a visual, historic journey through time and space. The authors are grateful to the many participants who contributed photographs from their personal archives. They are all individually acknowledged along with the relevant photograph, as well as in the acknowledgements. Where there is no acknowledgment, the photographs have been sourced from the Embassy of India, Muscat. The authors use ‘Oman-India’ and ‘India-Oman’ interchangeably to reflect the multiple perspectives which are reflected in this book. Standard Anglicised spellings of Arabic proper names are used as the target is a general readership, except in quotations, where the original has been retained.
A Tribute to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos
A Beacon of Peace
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the late Sultan of Oman
A great leader, a man of calm strength, a visionary and a peacemaker, the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos is remembered for his leadership in transforming Oman into a country with high standards of living, good quality of education, and peaceful relations with countries across the world, all the while imbibing a deep rooted sense of identity and recognition of Omani heritage. His passing has left a rich legacy and a challenging path to follow. Sultan Qaboos was the architect of Oman’s foreign policy, one that looked beyond the Gulf and embraced its strategic position at the Strait of Hormuz. His goal was “Strengthening close bonds of friendship with all nations on the basis of mutual respect and common interests” while ensuring “noninterference in the internal affairs of other states”. Sultan Qaboos was one of the founders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and an ardent supporter of its activities.
Internationally, Sultan Qaboos’ leadership made both him and his nation a natural mediator when challenging situations necessitated his critical input. His skillful navigation of the region’s diverse geopolitical interests was much lauded by the international community and it continues to guide the nation today. Sultan Qaboos had a deep and stong connection with India. The Sultan organized a grand welcome for late Prasidant Shankar Dayal Sharma when he visited Oman in 1996. Sultan Qaboos continued to encourage close links with India. His passing has been mourned by Indians at every level. On his passing, the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind mourned the loss of His Majesty: “The world has lost a great leader and a statesman who worked tirelessly towards building peace in the region and the world”. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a beacon of peace for the region and the world: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. He was a visionary leader and statesman who transformed Oman into a modern and prosperous nation.” He added, “I will always cherish the warmth and affection I received from him. May his soul rest in peace”. He described Sultan Qaboos as a “true friend of India” and said that he had “provided strong leadership for developing a vibrant strategic partnership” between India and Oman. Minority Affairs Minister, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi visited Oman on January 14, 2020 and conveyed condolences on behalf of the leadership and the Government of India.
The Indian media in a united voice said, “with the demise of Sultan Qaboos, India lost a key friend and partner in the Gulf region where it has vital stakes”. The late Sultan Qaboos was awarded the 2004 Jawaharlal Nehru Award for
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos with the President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma, 1996
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, 2018
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ state visit to India, 1997
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos with Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, 1998
International Understanding. While announcing the award, the award jury said, “The Sultan has completely transformed Oman into a modern and prosperous state. He has emerged as a leader who is much loved and admired not only by his people but also by the entire region”. His Majesty had always been keen to fulfill all the Sultanate’s international and regional obligations towards different organizations. He recognized international responsibility towards different causes that aim to serve humankind in several fields.
The legacy of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said is one of peace and harmony among all people and pride in Omani culture and civilization. He has shown the way for future generations of Omanis, under the wise leadership of his successor His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, to further his vision of creating a modern Oman which prides itself on its unique heritage as well as dynamic future.
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, 2008
