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GS Paper 2
Syllabus: India’s Bilateral Relations
Source: TH
Context: On December 16, the Indian Prime Minister held bilateral talks with the Sultan of Oman at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, aiming to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Facets of India-Oman Relations
| Key Points | Description |
| Background | India and Oman share ancient historical ties that span over 5,000 years. These relations were shaped by maritime trade links, cultural exchanges, and geographical proximity |
| In ancient times, the Sumerians, Akkadians, and later the Assyrians had trade links with the people of the Indus Valley (now India). Oman’s strategic location made it a crucial hub for maritime trade, connecting the civilizations of the East and West. | |
| Modern Relations | India and Oman established diplomatic relations in 1955, elevated to a strategic partnership in 2008, with Oman holding a pivotal position as India’s primary defence partner in the Gulf region |
| Oman is a strategic partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Arab League, and IORA. | |
| Gandhi Peace Prize 2019 was conferred on the Late HM Sultan Qaboos for strengthening ties. | |
| Defence Relations | The Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) is a key forum for defence engagement. |
| Military exercises include Al Najah, Eastern Bridge, and Naseem Al Bahr. | |
| Economic & Commercial Relations | Bilateral trade during FY2022-23 reached over $12 billion; Over 6,000 India-Oman joint ventures are present in Oman; India was the 2nd largest market for Oman’s crude oil exports for the year 2022. |
| Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and Joint Business Council (JBC) oversee economic cooperation. | |
| Indian companies have investments in sectors like iron, steel, cement, and textile. | |
| The proposed India-Middle-East-Europe Connectivity Corridor (IMEEC) project will see Oman playing an important role in India’s connectivity ambitions. | |
| Cultural Cooperation | Close cultural ties with the Indian Social Club promoting cultural diversity. Celebration of National Days, Festivals, and events promoting Indian culture. Yoga is popular, and cultural events were celebrated in 2019 for significant anniversaries. |
| Maritime Cooperation | Oman’s strategic location is at the gateway of the Strait of Hormuz. |
| India signed a pact in 2018 to access Duqm port, enhancing maritime cooperation. | |
| Duqm Port provides base facilities, Operational Turn Round and other logistics facilities to Indian naval ships in the region | |
| Indian Diaspora | Around 7 lakh Indians in Oman, with a significant presence in various professions. Several Indian families have been residing for over 150-200 years. They have contributed in diverse fields such as doctors, engineers, teachers, etc |
Oman’s strategic importance for India:
Oman holds strategic importance for India due to its position at the gateway of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for one-fifth of India’s oil imports. All three branches of the Indian armed forces engage in regular bilateral exercises with Oman, fostering trust and cooperation. India secured the Port of Duqm in Oman for military use and logistical support. This move aims to enhance India’s presence in the Indian Ocean region, countering Chinese influence.
Challenges in India-Oman relationship:
- Geopolitical Dynamics: The evolving geopolitical landscape in the Middle East (esp. with the ongoing Israel-Palestine war) and India’s good relations with Israel can pose challenges to the stability of India-Oman relations.
- Strategic Moves by Other Nations: Actions by other major players in the region, such as China’s BRI may impact the dynamics between India and Oman.
- Economic Vulnerability: Oman’s economic challenges, particularly in the context of fluctuations in oil prices, can have repercussions on India’s energy security and economic interests.
- Security Concerns: The region’s security landscape, including issues related to terrorism, Piracy and maritime security.
- Port Access Sensitivities: India’s military access to the Port of Duqm could be perceived as a challenge by other nations, potentially affecting diplomatic relations in the region.
Conclusion:
India faces a shortage of energy resources to meet its current and future demands, necessitating long-term energy collaborations with nations like Oman. Strengthening ties with Oman not only addresses India’s energy needs but also contributes to enhancing strategic depth in the region. This collaboration aligns with India’s Indo-Pacific vision, particularly in the Western and Southern parts of the Indian Ocean, reinforcing its geopolitical presence.
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyse India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian countries. (UPSC 2017)
Prelims Links:
Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’? (UPSC 2016)
(a) Iran
(b) Saudi Arabia
(c) Oman
(d) Kuwait
Ans: A
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