Contact Us 
Subscribe Us
As a key supplier of liquefied natural gas to India, Oman continues to play a vital role in India's energy security
The 13th round of the India-Oman Strategic Consultative Group (IOSCG) meeting was held in New Delhi on December 3, 2024. Co-chaired by Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, and Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sultanate of Oman, the meeting reinforced the robust bilateral relations between the two nations.
During the deliberations, both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of their strategic partnership, including political cooperation, trade, energy, defense, and cultural exchange. They also exchanged perspectives on pressing regional and international issues of mutual interest. The meeting concluded with an agreement to convene the next round of IOSCG in Muscat on a mutually convenient date.
Enhancing Collaboration in Emerging Sectors
The India-Oman relationship is underpinned by deep historical and cultural ties, dating back over 5,000 years. Formal diplomatic relations, established in 1955, have grown into a strategic partnership, formally recognized in 2008. This long-standing partnership was further reinforced during the 13th IOSCG meeting, as the delegations discussed avenues to enhance collaboration in emerging sectors.
Key focus areas included:
Trade and Investment: Both sides reiterated the need to strengthen economic ties and explore new investment opportunities. Oman has been a critical trade partner in West Asia, with bilateral trade surpassing $10 billion in 2023.
Energy Cooperation: As a key supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India, Oman continues to play a vital role in India's energy security. Discussions explored expanding cooperation in renewable energy, including green hydrogen and solar technologies.
Defence and Maritime Security: The defence partnership remains a cornerstone of India-Oman relations. Joint military exercises, such as "Naseem Al Bahr" and "Al Nagah," have enhanced interoperability between the armed forces of both countries. Maritime security in the Indian Ocean region was also highlighted as a critical area of cooperation.
Digital and Technology Collaboration: With advancements in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, both nations emphasized the importance of digital collaboration.
Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Ties: The vibrant Indian diaspora in Oman, numbering approximately 685,000, has been instrumental in strengthening cultural bonds. Oman hosts 21 Indian schools serving over 40,000 students, reflecting the strong educational ties between the two nations.
Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, who co-chaired the IOSCG meeting, also met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. During their meeting, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the wide-ranging cooperation between the two nations and the potential for further collaboration in sectors like trade, investments, technology, and space exploration.
In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "Glad to receive Khalifa Alharthy, Under Secretary for Political Affairs of Oman today. Noted our wide-ranging cooperation and new opportunities in trade, investments, technology, and space."
A Strategic Partner in West Asia
Oman holds a unique place in India's West Asia policy as its oldest regional strategic partner. As a key member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Oman has been a significant interlocutor in regional affairs.
The Sultanate’s invitation to India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 underscored the importance of their strategic partnership. High-level visits, including those by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in 2023, have further strengthened bilateral ties.
Indian Diaspora: A Pillar of Bilateral Relations
The Indian community in Oman continues to serve as a bridge between the two nations. Indian expatriates, who include professionals such as doctors, engineers, and educators, have significantly contributed to Oman’s development. Many Indian families in Oman trace their roots back over 150 years, highlighting the depth of historical connections.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on pressing regional and international developments. India and Oman reiterated their shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region and beyond. As strategic partners, they continue to align their efforts in addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and sustainable development.
The 13th IOSCG meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen the strategic partnership and explore new avenues of collaboration. The dialogue has set the stage for further strengthening ties in emerging sectors, including green energy, advanced technologies, and space exploration.
As India and Oman gear up for the next round of consultations in Muscat, their enduring partnership is poised to scale new heights, underpinned by shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for regional prosperity.
During the deliberations, both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of their strategic partnership, including political cooperation, trade, energy, defense, and cultural exchange. They also exchanged perspectives on pressing regional and international issues of mutual interest. The meeting concluded with an agreement to convene the next round of IOSCG in Muscat on a mutually convenient date.
Enhancing Collaboration in Emerging Sectors
The India-Oman relationship is underpinned by deep historical and cultural ties, dating back over 5,000 years. Formal diplomatic relations, established in 1955, have grown into a strategic partnership, formally recognized in 2008. This long-standing partnership was further reinforced during the 13th IOSCG meeting, as the delegations discussed avenues to enhance collaboration in emerging sectors.
Key focus areas included:
Trade and Investment: Both sides reiterated the need to strengthen economic ties and explore new investment opportunities. Oman has been a critical trade partner in West Asia, with bilateral trade surpassing $10 billion in 2023.
Energy Cooperation: As a key supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India, Oman continues to play a vital role in India's energy security. Discussions explored expanding cooperation in renewable energy, including green hydrogen and solar technologies.
Defence and Maritime Security: The defence partnership remains a cornerstone of India-Oman relations. Joint military exercises, such as "Naseem Al Bahr" and "Al Nagah," have enhanced interoperability between the armed forces of both countries. Maritime security in the Indian Ocean region was also highlighted as a critical area of cooperation.
Digital and Technology Collaboration: With advancements in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, both nations emphasized the importance of digital collaboration.
Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Ties: The vibrant Indian diaspora in Oman, numbering approximately 685,000, has been instrumental in strengthening cultural bonds. Oman hosts 21 Indian schools serving over 40,000 students, reflecting the strong educational ties between the two nations.
Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, who co-chaired the IOSCG meeting, also met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. During their meeting, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the wide-ranging cooperation between the two nations and the potential for further collaboration in sectors like trade, investments, technology, and space exploration.
In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "Glad to receive Khalifa Alharthy, Under Secretary for Political Affairs of Oman today. Noted our wide-ranging cooperation and new opportunities in trade, investments, technology, and space."
A Strategic Partner in West Asia
Oman holds a unique place in India's West Asia policy as its oldest regional strategic partner. As a key member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Oman has been a significant interlocutor in regional affairs.
The Sultanate’s invitation to India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 underscored the importance of their strategic partnership. High-level visits, including those by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in 2023, have further strengthened bilateral ties.
Indian Diaspora: A Pillar of Bilateral Relations
The Indian community in Oman continues to serve as a bridge between the two nations. Indian expatriates, who include professionals such as doctors, engineers, and educators, have significantly contributed to Oman’s development. Many Indian families in Oman trace their roots back over 150 years, highlighting the depth of historical connections.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on pressing regional and international developments. India and Oman reiterated their shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region and beyond. As strategic partners, they continue to align their efforts in addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and sustainable development.
The 13th IOSCG meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen the strategic partnership and explore new avenues of collaboration. The dialogue has set the stage for further strengthening ties in emerging sectors, including green energy, advanced technologies, and space exploration.
As India and Oman gear up for the next round of consultations in Muscat, their enduring partnership is poised to scale new heights, underpinned by shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for regional prosperity.
Contact Us 
Subscribe 
News Letter 
