The Head of State of the Sultanate of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, is set to embark on a three-day state visit to India starting today. This visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior ministers and officials, marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between India and the Sultanate of Oman.
India and Oman share a robust and enduring friendship, deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and economic ties that span over 5,000 years. The diplomatic relations between the two nations were established in 1955, later elevated to a strategic partnership in 2008.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this will be the first state visit of Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India, emphasizing the importance both nations place on strengthening their ties.
Upon arrival, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will call upon Sultan Haitham in the national capital. The visit, extending invitations from President Droupadi Murmu, will see the Sultan being received by Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan for a ceremonial welcome on December 16.
During his stay, Sultan Haitham will visit the National Gallery of Modern Art and engage in discussions with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House. The visit will provide an opportunity to explore collaboration between India and Oman for regional stability, progress, and prosperity, as stated in the MEA release.
India’s prime ministers have regularly visited Oman, reinforcing the strong bilateral relations. Oman hosts a vibrant Indian expatriate community, contributing significantly to Oman’s economic development and cultural diversity, with the Indian diaspora exceeding 700,000 individuals post-pandemic.
Oman stands as India’s closest defense partner in the Gulf region, with defense cooperation serving as a key pillar in their strategic partnership. The Sultanate of Oman actively participated in India’s G20 Presidency, demonstrating their commitment to international collaboration.
By ANI
