Oman Vision 2020 by helping Oman diversify its economy through investments in finance , insurance , and telecommunications . Both countries have made mutual investments worth $ 7.5 billion . Oman has also invited Indian companies to invest in special economic zones of Oman , including SEZs in Duqm , Sohar and Salalah , during the February visit of the Indian PM to Oman .
Historical connect
Archaeological evidence , including paintings and seals on clay objects belonging to the Indus valley civilisation found in Oman , suggest that India and Oman share historical ties that go back 5000 years . Omani traders depended on Gujarat for ship building during the seventh century . When European forces started penetrating the Indian Ocean , India and Oman intended to ward them off together . Oman took the lead in expelling the Portuguese influence in the Gulf , in India and from coastal East Africa in their quest to regain control over the main commercial region in the Indian Ocean .
The ruler of Mysore , Tipu Sultan , maintained diplomatic relations with Sultan bin Ahmad of Oman and both appointed ambassadors to each other ’ s courts . Tipu Sultan sent a diplomatic mission to Oman in 1786 . The mission presented jewels , elephants , sandalwood , ivory ,
Prime Minister visits Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque ( February 12 , 2018 )
India-Oman socio cultural relations depend , to a great extent , on people to people contact . Indians first came into contact with Omanis during the Sumerian and Harappa civilisations . pepper , and cardamoms to the Imam of Muscat . Tipu Sultan remitted half of the duties levied on Imam ’ s vessels and imported dates , horses and mules as a friendly gesture .
India and Oman also share deep cultural ties . Both countries have preserved their Islamic heritage and contributed to the development of the Arabic language and literature . The liberal Ibadi traditions strike a chord with religious and social tolerance , a value that is cherished by India . There is stark similarity in the zari work and wood carvings of Rajasthan and Oman . The popular Omani turban Mussar and the caps called Kummah that are an important part of the Omani traditional attire are emblazoned with Kashmiri embroidery , and were imported by Oman from India until recent times . Indian films have also been filmed in Omani locales , serving to introduce Arab culture to India and further strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries . Hindi films garner more viewership than Hollywood movies in Oman , which depicts the deep cultural bond shared by the people of both countries .
Socio Cultural Connect
India-Oman socio cultural relations depend , to a great extent , on people to people contact . Indians first came into contact with Omanis during the Sumerian and Harappa civilisations . The Magan civilisation had trade relations with India where , in all probability , Magan referred to Oman . Even in modern times , Indians and Omanis have regularly interacted with each other . The Khuda Baksh library in Patna ( Bihar , India ) has books detailing the lives and times of Omani rulers belonging to the family of Sultan Qaboos . Indian trader communities including Khojas from Eastern India settled in Muscat and contributed to the development of Oman . Bhattias of Sind province were one of the earliest communities to settle in Oman . They had so much influence that their unparalleled business skills exponentially enhanced regional trade . Gradually , they also came to wield significant political influence in Oman .
Furthermore , a number of Omanis have lived and studied in India . Sultan Taimur bin Faisal came to India in 1932 and lived in India till he died and was buried in Mumbai . Sultan Saeed bin Taimur and Fahd bin Taimur studied
16 • INDIA-OMAN • 2018