The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India have solidified their collaborative commitment through the adoption of a Joint Vision document titled ‘A Partnership For the Future.’ This shared vision, encompassing the leadership of both Oman and India, recognizes the significant synergy between Oman Vision 2040 and India’s development objectives, known as ‘Amrit Kaal.’
During the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India, the joint statement highlighted the warmth and friendliness characterizing the closed consultations and delegation-level talks between His Majesty and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the enduring partnership built on historical ties, mutual trust, respect, and shared interests.
The Joint Vision document outlines specific areas of collaboration, including maritime cooperation, energy security, green energy, space technology, digital payments, trade and investment, healthcare, tourism, IT & innovation, agriculture, and food security. The document serves as a roadmap to deepen ties and enhance the partnership between Oman and India, identifying actionable steps for future collaboration.
Both leaders noted the remarkable growth in bilateral trade, which more than doubled from $5.4 billion in 2020-21 to $12.3 billion in 2022-23. Negotiations on an India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) have made substantial progress, with both sides aiming to accelerate and conclude the negotiations for a higher growth trajectory in their partnership.
The release of the 3rd tranche of the Oman-India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF) was appreciated, with the potential to attract investments from Oman and the Gulf region into India’s fastest-growing sectors. The leaders welcomed the deepening of defense cooperation and emphasized the need for further mutual engagement in this field.
Both nations expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation in space technology, civil aviation, and air connectivity. Health cooperation was highlighted, with discussions on potential partnerships in manufacturing generic medicines and Oman’s role as a central hub for Ayurveda in the Middle East.
Cultural ties were strengthened through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on culture, promoting collaboration in artistic performances, exhibitions, and cultural events. A joint commemorative postage stamp symbolizing the longstanding cultural and people-to-people relationship was released.
The leaders acknowledged the centuries-old people-to-people ties as a fundamental pillar of the historical Oman-India relationship, appreciating each other’s expatriate communities. Plans for a maritime voyage, recreating the historical connections between Oman and India, were discussed, symbolizing the rich history of interaction between the two nations.
Tourism cooperation, condemnation of terrorism, and discussions on regional and international issues of mutual interest were also integral parts of the bilateral talks. Several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements were signed, further solidifying the multifaceted collaboration between Oman and India.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit the Sultanate of Oman, emphasizing the ample scope for the further development of bilateral relations. The joint statement concluded with thanks for India’s warm and generous hospitality and an optimistic outlook for the future of the Oman-India partnership.