Prime Minister Narendra Modi's significant two-day official visit to the Sultanate of Oman concluded on a warm and culturally resonant note. The departure was marked by a special gesture from Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, who bid farewell to the Indian leader with a respectful 'Namaste'.
A Gesture of Respect and Friendship
The farewell moment, captured and shared widely, saw the Omani leader clasping his hands together in the traditional Indian greeting as PM Modi prepared to depart. This symbolic act underscored the deep mutual respect and the strong people-to-people ties that form the bedrock of the strategic partnership between India and Oman. The visit, which took place on December 16, 2024, was PM Modi's first trip to the Gulf nation since 2018, highlighting its importance in India's West Asia policy.
Strengthening Strategic and Economic Ties
During the intensive two-day engagement, Prime Minister Modi held wide-ranging discussions with Oman's Sultan, Haitham bin Tarik. The leaders focused on enhancing cooperation across several critical domains, including defence, security, trade, investment, energy, and cultural exchange. A key outcome was the signing of a new agreement aimed at boosting collaboration in the information technology and communications sector, a move poised to create new avenues for economic partnership in the digital age.
Oman holds a pivotal position as one of India's key defence partners in the Gulf region. The discussions undoubtedly covered ways to deepen maritime security cooperation and defence exchanges, given the vital importance of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean region for both nations. Furthermore, with over 700,000 Indian expatriates forming the largest expatriate community in Oman, their welfare and contribution to the Omani economy were also on the agenda.
Consolidating a Time-Tested Partnership
The successful conclusion of this high-level visit signifies a renewed momentum in the bilateral relationship. The warm personal chemistry displayed between the leaders, epitomized by the Namaste farewell, translates into a positive trajectory for diplomatic and strategic dialogue. The agreements signed pave the way for concrete future collaborations, particularly in emerging fields like technology and green energy.
For India, Oman is not just a neighbouring maritime partner but a crucial anchor in the extended neighbourhood. This visit served to reaffirm that partnership, ensuring that the historical ties are adapted to meet contemporary geopolitical and economic challenges. The focus on IT cooperation indicates a forward-looking approach, aiming to build a relationship that is fit for the future while resting on a solid foundation of trust and shared interests.
