Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant visit to Oman, a nation that has consistently stood by India for decades. This upcoming trip is poised to elevate the strategic partnership between the two countries, building on a long history of mutual trust and support. Oman, a crucial Muslim partner in West Asia, has historically championed India’s interests on global platforms, particularly concerning terrorism. This unique relationship has fostered strong collaborations across defense, trade, and energy sectors.
Officials are keenly observing the implications of this visit, with particular attention from Pakistan, given Oman’s unwavering support for New Delhi. The enduring nature of India-Oman ties is recognized as one of the most stable in the Gulf region. This visit also marks a significant milestone, commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. It follows Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to India in December 2023, which paved the way for enhanced bilateral engagement.
A pivotal aspect of this partnership is the unprecedented access granted to the Indian Navy at Oman’s Duqm port. This strategic agreement provides India with a vital logistical foothold in the Indian Ocean, significantly bolstering its maritime presence and operational capabilities in a critical global trade route. Oman has consistently demonstrated a high level of trust, being the sole Muslim-majority nation to openly support India during the 1971 war with Pakistan. Defense cooperation has flourished since then, with joint exercises involving all three Indian services being a testament to this strong bond.
The Omani society also hosts a significant and influential Indian diaspora, further cementing cultural and social ties. Muscat’s consistent advocacy for India within international forums like the OIC highlights the depth of this strategic alignment. Economically, the visit is expected to provide momentum for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will provide a structured framework for burgeoning bilateral trade. With trade already showing robust growth, reaching USD 10.61 billion in 2024-25, the future of economic cooperation appears very promising.