Diplomatist Magazine Oman 2018 - Special Report | Page 8

INDIA AND OMAN:
PARTNERS THROUGH
CENTURIES
By Ambassador Anil Wadhwa*
Shri Narendra
Modi, Prime
Minister of India,
meets His Majesty
Sultan Qaboos bin
Said Al Said during
State visit of the
former to Oman
on 11-12 February
2018
A
cross the India Ocean and the
Arabian Sea, India and Oman
have enjoyed close civilisational,
historical and maritime links over the last
5,000 years. Today, they have forged a
precious and strategic partnership based on
mutual appreciation and understanding of
each other’s interests, and respect for each
other’s priorities, concerns and sensitivities.
In a region facing winds of change and
realignments, Oman stands tall as a beacon
of reason and moderation under the sagacious
leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin
Said Al Said.
Home to 800,000 Indian nationals, who
are free to pursue their religious beliefs and
enjoy cultural freedom, Oman has expanded
its relationship with India in modern times
8 • INDIA-OMAN • 2018
to cooperate in almost every conceivable
fi eld. According to a listing by the Indian
Embassy in Oman, some of these areas
cover Health, Tourism, Defence, Peaceful
uses of Outer Space, Visa Exemption for
Diplomatic/Offi cial Passport holders, Legal
and Judicial Cooperation in Criminal, Civil
and Commercial Matters, Extradition,
Agriculture, Civil Aviation, Avoidance of
Double Taxation, Standards and Measures,
Manpower, Maritime Issues, setting up of a
Joint Investment Fund, Cooperation between
Diplomatic Training and Defence Institutes,
as well as the two audit administrations, and
cultural cooperation.
Several members of the Omani Royal
family had studied in India, some prominent
business families were trading with India in