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