Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – India and its Neighborhood- Relations, Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests, Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
Context: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultan of Oman, is currently on a state visit to India—his inaugural trip to the country since assuming office in January 2020. Against the backdrop of the current geopolitical climate, Oman holds significant importance for India across various dimensions
Source: The Hindu | Editorial dated 16- December 2023
Unveiling the Dynamics of India-Oman Relations
- Geographical Proximity: Oman stands as India’s closest neighbor in the Arabian Gulf region, with key Omani ports lining the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, strategically positioned for access to the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Aden.
- Strategic Importance: Oman’s location holds paramount strategic significance for India, complementing Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as crucial strategic partners in the Gulf region.
- Bilateral Relations Overview:
- Oman is not just a strategic partner but a vital interlocutor at international forums like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League, and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
- India and Oman share deep-rooted connections forged by geography, history, and culture, fostering warm and cordial relations.
- Diplomatic ties between the two nations were established in 1955, evolving from historical bonds to a strategic partnership in November 2008.
- The Gandhi Peace Prize for 2019 was awarded to the late Sultan Qaboos for his leadership in enhancing India-Oman relations and his initiatives to foster peace in the Gulf region.
- People-to-People Ties:
- The enduring people-to-people contact between India and Oman spans an impressive 5000 years.
- The Indian diaspora in Oman, comprising professionals like doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, teachers, nurses, and managers, plays a substantial role in the nation’s development and cultural exchange.
- The Indian diaspora in Oman, numbering approximately 700,000, includes over 567,000 workers and professionals as of June 2020.
Oman’s regional Importance
- Island of Peace in Conflict-Prone Region:
- Oman has consistently been an oasis of tranquility in a region marked by conflict, shaping a foreign policy grounded in moderation and mediation.
- Amidst the Cold War and beyond, when much of the Arab world leaned towards Pakistan, Oman stood out by maintaining open doors to India.
- Deliberate Neutrality:
- Demonstrating deliberate neutrality, Oman has navigated regional issues and conflicts with a balanced approach, maintaining close ties with Western powers, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and pragmatic relations with Iran.
- Key Role in Crisis Management:
- In critical situations such as the Persian Gulf crisis in 2019, Oman played a pivotal role in defusing tensions between the United States and Iran, showcasing its commitment to regional stability.
- Iran Nuclear Deal and Diplomacy:
- Oman’s significant role in the Iran nuclear deal of July 2015 underscores its diplomatic prowess and contribution to regional security.
- GCC-Qatar Standoff:
- During the GCC-Qatar diplomatic standoff in June 2017, Oman distinguished itself by refusing to sever diplomatic ties with Qatar, maintaining a position of independence.
- Facilitating Diplomatic Engagements:
- Oman’s proactive approach is evident in facilitating unexpected diplomatic engagements, as seen with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s surprise visit in October 2018, signaling Oman’s regional importance.
The Multifaceted Tapestry of India-Oman Strategic Partnership
- Foundation of India-Oman Strategic Partnership:
- Established during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Oman in 2008, the strategic partnership is built on the twin pillars of mutual trust and shared interests.
- Defence and Security Collaboration:
- Governed by a 2005 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), defence and security engagement is a crucial aspect of the partnership.
- Oman holds the distinction of being the first Gulf country with which all three branches of India’s defence forces conduct joint exercises.
- Since 2012-13, an Indian naval ship has been stationed in the Gulf of Oman for anti-piracy operations, while Oman permits overflights/transit by Indian military aircraft.
- There are considerations for India to establish a defense production unit in Oman, signaling potential advancements in defense collaboration between the two nations.
- Maritime Security Cooperation:
- Both nations collaborate to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
- Operation Sankalp, launched by the Indian Navy during the Persian Gulf crisis in June 2019, aimed to secure the safe passage of Indian-flagged ships operating off the coast of Oman.
- Oman holds a strategic position at the gateway of the Strait of Hormuz, facilitating India’s importation of one-fifth of its oil.
- Oman actively engages in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), reflecting its commitment to regional naval cooperation.
- Robust Bilateral Training Cooperation:
- Bilateral training cooperation is strong, with Omani forces regularly enrolling in training courses in India, spanning professional and higher command levels.
- Indian armed forces actively participate in Staff and Command courses conducted in Oman.
- Strategic Milestone – Duqm Port MoU:
- The MoU on Duqm Port, a historic landmark in security cooperation, provides basing facilities and logistical support for Indian naval ships in the region.
- Positioned strategically, Duqm is in close proximity to the Chabahar port in Iran. Aligned with India’s proactive maritime security roadmap, it complements the development of Assumption Island in Seychelles and Agalega in Mauritius.
- The Port of Duqm boasts a special economic zone, attracting approximately USD 1.8 billion in investments from various Indian companies. This aligns with India’s economic initiatives and overseas investment strategies.
- Trade and Economic Partnership:
- Bilateral trade for FY2022-23 reached $12.388 billion, emphasizing the economic significance.
- Over 6,000 India-Oman joint ventures, with an investment exceeding $7.5 billion.
- India became the second-largest market for Oman’s crude oil exports in 2022, following China.
- Digital Infrastructure Initiative:
- In October 2022, the launch of the Rupay debit card in Oman signifies India’s commitment to promoting digital public infrastructure globally.
- Strategic Areas for Future Engagement:
- Expansion into strategic domains, including space cooperation, with an MoU signed during Prime Minister.s recent visit.
- Exploration of joint ventures in rare earth metals, crucial for modern electronics.s
- Connectivity Initiatives:
- Exploration of participation in the India-Middle-East-Europe Connectivity Corridor (IMEEC) infrastructure project, where Oman could play a pivotal role.
- Proposal for a 1,400 km deep-sea pipeline from Oman to India by the South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE), aligning with IMEEC’s undersea connectivity goals.
What must be the way forward?
- Energy Partnership and Duqm Port Opportunities:
- Forge long-term energy partnerships with Oman, recognizing India’s energy deficit and the growing demand.
- Leverage the strategic location of Oman’s Duqm Port in international shipping lanes as a key opportunity for industrial development.
- Strategic Collaboration in the Indo-Pacific:
- Work closely with Oman to deepen strategic ties in the Western and Southern parts of the Indian Ocean, aligning with India’s Indo-Pacific vision.
- Recognize Oman’s pivotal role in contributing to India’s regional security and stability.
- Energy Partnership and Clean Initiatives:
- Expand the energy partnership with Oman, tapping into its leadership in clean energy initiatives within the GCC.
- Collaborate on India’s National Hydrogen Mission to harness Oman’s expertise and contribute to India’s energy sustainability.
- Broader Regional Engagement:
- Actively pursue deeper engagement in West Asia, with Oman as a key pillar, aligning with India’s global outlook.
- Recognize the importance of Oman in managing regional dynamics and rival ideologies, contributing to stability.
- Multilateral Collaboration:
- Acknowledge Oman’s integral role in regional groupings such as the GCC, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League.
- Utilize Oman’s diplomatic finesse to navigate regional power games and promote stability.
- Peaceful Ambassadors and Gateway to West Asia:
- Emphasize the shared commitment to peace between India and Oman, leveraging their goodwill across diverse ideologies globally.
- Recognize Oman as India’s gateway to West Asia, highlighting the significance of the ongoing diplomatic visit in the context of regional challenges, including the Israel-Hamas conflict.
References:
The Hindu
Ministry of External Affairs
Embessies of India
Practice Question: Analyze the significance of Oman as a strategic partner for India, considering its role in regional stability, maritime security, and energy cooperation.