Date : 16/12/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 2- International Relations- Bilateral Relations

Keywords: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Cold War, Duqm Port, Operation Sankalp', Strait of Hormuz, Chabahar port,

Context-

• The visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman to India marks a significant chapter in the enduring ties between the two nations. As the closest neighbor to India in the Arabian Gulf region, Oman's strategic importance cannot be overstated.
• Here we look into the historical context, the multifaceted dimensions of the India-Oman strategic partnership, and the pivotal role Oman plays in India's broader engagement in West Asia.

Historical Ties and Diplomatic Milestones

• Oman has been a steadfast friend to India, even during times when the Arab world exhibited ambivalence. Notably, Sultan Qaboos, the predecessor to Sultan Haitham, maintained a positive disposition towards India, fostering economic ties and inviting Indian companies for projects.
• During the Cold War era, when regional tensions ran high, Oman stood as an island of peace, maintaining a foreign policy based on moderation and mediation. Oman's deliberate neutrality in regional conflicts and its ability to balance relations with Western powers, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Iran highlight its unique diplomatic stance. Oman's role in diffusing tensions during the 2019 Persian Gulf crisis and its involvement in the Iran nuclear deal underscores its diplomatic prowess.
• Oman is home to approximately 700,000 Indians as of June 2020, with the majority, around 567,000, engaged as workers and professionals. Some Indian families have been residing in Oman for over 150 to 200 years. Among the diverse Indian expatriate community, thousands are employed in various capacities such as doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, teachers, lecturers, nurses, managers, and more.

Strategic Pillars of India-Oman Partnership

• Oman holds a crucial position in India's West Asia policy, with a strategic partnership dating back to 2008, signed during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit. Mutual trust and shared interests underpin this relationship, with Oman being invited to India's G-20 presidency as a guest nation in recent years.
• Defense and security collaboration form a cornerstone of the partnership. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2005 paved the way for joint exercises between all three wings of India's defense forces and marked Oman as the first Gulf country for such engagements. Maritime security cooperation, exemplified by India's naval presence in the Gulf of Oman for anti-piracy operations, showcases the depth of security ties.
• The historic MoU on Duqm Port, signed during Prime Minister Modi's visit, is a landmark achievement, providing crucial basing facilities and logistical support for Indian naval operations in the region. 'Operation Sankalp' during the 2019 Persian Gulf crisis highlighted the Indian Navy's commitment to ensuring the safe passage of Indian-flagged ships, particularly in the waters near Oman.
• India's strategic foresight is demonstrated by securing access to the strategically positioned Port of Duqm in Oman for military use and logistical support. This move aligns with India's broader maritime strategy aimed at countering Chinese influence and activities in the Indian Ocean region. Positioned on the southeastern seaboard of Oman, overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, the Port of Duqm provides India with a crucial foothold.


• Moreover, the strategic location of the Port of Duqm, close to Iran's Chabahar port, complements India's proactive maritime security roadmap. As India continues to develop strategic assets like Assumption Island in Seychelles and Agalega in Mauritius, the inclusion of Duqm enhances India's ability to safeguard its maritime interests in the region.
• Oman holds significant strategic importance for India due to its pivotal position at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of India's oil imports pass. The robust strategic partnership between India and Oman is underscored by the crucial aspect of defense cooperation, marked by the recent renewal of the Framework Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2021.

Economic Dimensions:

• Trade and commerce constitute another vital pillar of the India-Oman partnership. Bilateral trade reached $12.388 billion in FY2022-23, reflecting the robust economic engagement between the two nations. With over 6,000 joint ventures and an estimated investment of over $7.5 billion, economic collaboration extends beyond mere trade numbers.
• Oman holds significance in India's energy security, being the second-largest market for Oman's crude oil exports after China. The launch of the Rupay debit card in Oman in October 2022, as part of India's digital public infrastructure initiative, further solidifies the countries' economic ties.
• Looking ahead, the partnership is set to explore new frontiers, including space cooperation. An MoU signed during Prime Minister Modi's visit lays the foundation for collaborative efforts in space exploration.
• The potential agreement on joint exploration of rare earth metals and the proposed India-Middle-East-Europe Connectivity Corridor (IMEEC) infrastructure project signal a commitment to expanding the scope of cooperation.

Oman as India's Gateway to West Asia

• Oman's geopolitical significance extends beyond bilateral relations. It serves as India's gateway to West Asia, playing a vital role in India's extended neighborhood outreach. As the region grapples with challenges, Oman's ability to manage rival ideologies and power dynamics positions it as a stabilizing force.
• Participation in crucial regional groupings such as the GCC, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League underscores Oman's diplomatic influence. Its commitment to peace and goodwill aligns with India's global outlook, making it a reliable partner in navigating the complexities of West Asia.

Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities

• In the current geopolitical landscape, the ongoing Israel-Hamas war tests the region's resilience. Oman's strategic importance becomes even more pronounced as the visit of Sultan Haitham unfolds. The potential for increased collaboration in areas such as undersea connectivity, as suggested by the South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE), highlights the evolving nature of the partnership.
• As India seeks deeper engagement in West Asia, Oman remains a linchpin in achieving these objectives. The proposed India-Middle-East-Europe Connectivity Corridor and initiatives like the undersea gas pipeline underscore the shared vision for a comprehensive and integrated partnership.

Conclusion

The visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations. The India-Oman strategic partnership, built on historical ties, shared values, and converging interests, stands as a model for diplomatic collaboration in the complex landscape of West Asia. As both countries navigate the challenges and opportunities of the region, the future holds the promise of a strengthened and diversified alliance.

Source- Indian Express