Indian presence in Oman's Duqm port to figure high on Sultan's agenda during India trip
Duqm Port in Oman will be a key focus when Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosts Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik here later this month.
This will be Haitham bin Tarik's maiden trip to India since taking over as Oman's Sultan following demise of his predecessor Qaboos bin Said Al Said, who shared close and special bonds with India.
Oman will inaugurate two key infrastructure projects in the Duqm Port complex ahead of the Sultan's India trip and facilities for India at the port will figure high on the agenda.
Muscat has given facilities to the Indian Navy in Duqm Port to facilitate their presence in the Indian Ocean Region. The port overlooks the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.
Duqm will play a key part in India’s maritime strategy concerning the Indian Ocean, where China is expanding its presence, according to observers of Indo-Gulf ties.
Being located to the north-west of the Indian Ocean, the port can provide India an easy access to the Red Sea as well via the Gulf of Aden. National security advisor AK Doval visited Duqm in June where Oman is also planning to set up a special economic zone.
Oman-India defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Oman is India’s oldest strategic and defence partner in the Gulf region and an important anchor for India’s defence and strategic interests. Defence exchanges are guided by a framework MoU, which was renewed in 2021.
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