India, Oman Hold 14th Strategic Dialogue; Renew Focus on Defence, Trade and Regional Cooperation
Two nations mark 70 years of diplomatic ties; agree to next IOSCG meet in New Delhi in 2026
GG News Bureau
Muscat, 5th Dec: India and Oman strengthened their long-standing strategic partnership during the 14th round of the India-Oman Strategic Consultative Group (IOSCG) meeting held in Muscat on Thursday. The talks, led by senior officials from both nations, focused on regional developments and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
The meeting was co-chaired by Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, and Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs at Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the dialogue underscored the “historically warm and close ties” between the two nations, rooted in centuries-old trade and cultural linkages.
Wide-Ranging Review of Strategic Partnership
During the consultations, both sides reviewed progress in political relations, defence and security collaboration, trade, investment, energy cooperation, agriculture, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
The discussions came at a significant moment—2024 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Oman, a milestone celebrated by both governments.
Economic cooperation continues to be a major pillar of the relationship, with bilateral trade touching USD 10.61 billion in FY 2024–25. Investments in both directions have also grown steadily, reflecting a deepening economic interdependence.
The MEA highlighted the crucial role of Oman’s Indian diaspora—a vibrant community of around 675,000 people—which serves as a “living bridge” between the two countries.
Both sides agreed that the next IOSCG meeting will take place in New Delhi in 2026, with the date to be finalised through diplomatic channels.
Defence Ties See Strong Push Ahead
The talks in Muscat follow recent high-level defence engagements between the two nations.
On November 24, India and Oman held detailed discussions aimed at boosting defence cooperation, especially in areas such as the Military Logistic Complex, shipbuilding, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, and defence exports.
These deliberations took place during a meeting between Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and Dr Mohammed Bin Nasser Bin Ali Al-Zaabi, Secretary General of Oman’s Ministry of Defence, who was in New Delhi for the 13th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting.
In a statement shared on X, the Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters noted that the discussions reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to “deepening defence collaboration through enhanced logistics, training cooperation and industrial partnerships.”
A Partnership Anchored in Stability
As geopolitical shifts reshape the Gulf region and the Indian Ocean, India and Oman continue to position themselves as reliable strategic partners. The Muscat meeting reinforced this shared vision—one that combines security cooperation, economic growth and cultural ties.
With the next round of strategic consultations planned for 2026, both sides appear set to carry forward a partnership built on trust, stability and decades of people-driven connections.
