In a historic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, have unveiled a visionary proposal to recreate a significant maritime voyage, rekindling ancient trade routes between India and Oman. This initiative aims to resurrect the rich history of maritime trade that fostered the exchange of goods and ideas for centuries.
The proposed journey is set to commence from the port of Mandvi in Gujarat, with the destination being Muscat. The tentative timeline for this maritime voyage is slated for 2025-26. The leaders acknowledged the vital role played by dhows in facilitating trade and cultural exchanges, fostering a longstanding history of interaction between the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula.
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has put forth a proposal to recreate a maritime voyage using a stitched ship, crafted with ancient knowhow. The plan involves the ship sailing from Mandvi to Muscat, followed by potential voyages to other regions. Both leaders expressed confidence that this voyage would highlight the historical connections between India and Oman, strengthening mutual trust and people-to-people ties.
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to India, at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu, holds special significance as it marks the Sultanate of Oman’s first visit to India in over 25 years. The leaders engaged in closed consultations and delegation-level talks, expressing satisfaction at the enduring partnership built on historical ties, mutual trust, and shared interests.
Discussions covered various areas of cooperation, including political and security cooperation, defence, trade, energy security, healthcare, education, culture, and people-to-people relations. An India-Oman Joint Commemorative Postage Stamp was released, symbolizing the cultural and people-to-people relationship between the two countries.
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik extended gratitude to India for the invitation to participate in the G20 as a special guest country, acknowledging India’s role in global cooperation. The leaders expressed confidence in the further development of bilateral relations, and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik invited Prime Minister Modi to visit the Sultanate of Oman.
During the visit, six MoUs were signed, reflecting the commitment to enhancing collaboration and cooperation between the two nations.
