External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held talks with his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in Muscat on July 10, 2026, reviewing the India-Oman Strategic Partnership and discussing regional and global developments of mutual interest. The visit underscores India's growing engagement with Gulf countries, focusing on regional stability, maritime security, and safeguarding the interests of Indian citizens in the region.
Bilateral Discussions on Full Spectrum of Ties
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two ministers held bilateral discussions covering the entire range of India-Oman ties. They reviewed areas of ongoing cooperation and explored ways to further strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two countries. The talks included trade, investment, energy, defence, maritime security, and connectivity.
India and Oman share close historical, economic, and people-to-people ties, with a large Indian diaspora residing in Oman. The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2018, reflecting the depth of cooperation across multiple sectors.
Appreciation for Assistance to Indian Seafarers
During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed India's appreciation to the Omani government for its prompt assistance to Indian seafarers during recent regional developments. The MEA did not provide further details, but India has been closely monitoring the safety of its maritime community amid heightened tensions in the wider Gulf region, where thousands of Indian seafarers work aboard commercial vessels.
Interaction with Indian Community in Oman
Jaishankar also interacted with members of the Indian community in Oman, acknowledging their contribution to strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the two nations. The Indian diaspora in Oman plays a vital role in the bilateral ties, serving as a bridge between the two countries.
Strategic Importance of the Visit
The visit comes at a time when India is intensifying its engagement with Gulf countries to ensure regional stability and maritime security. Oman, strategically located on the Arabian Sea, is a key partner for India in these efforts. The two countries have also cooperated on defence and security issues, including joint exercises and intelligence sharing.
The India-Oman Strategic Partnership encompasses cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defence, maritime security, and connectivity. The bilateral trade volume has been growing steadily, with both sides exploring new avenues for economic collaboration.
