India and Oman have reinforced their growing strategic defence partnership through a specialised military training initiative conducted by two Indian Mobile Training Teams (IMTT) for personnel of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) of Oman. The training programmes, held amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, were led by officers from Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) along with personnel from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The initiative focused on operational coordination and joint logistics preparedness.
Training Details and Participation
Around 110 officers from the Royal Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force of Oman, along with officials from Oman’s ministry of defence agencies, participated in the programme. The HQ IDS stated, “Around 110 officers from the Royal Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force of Oman and MoD agencies participated in operational and joint logistics training, reinforcing interoperability and the India-Oman Strategic Partnership.” The initiative aims to improve interoperability and strengthen military coordination between the two countries amid evolving regional security challenges.
Diplomatic Engagement
The development comes days after external affairs minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Omani foreign minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi on May 18. The two leaders discussed recent developments related to the ongoing West Asia crisis as well as bilateral cooperation between India and Oman. Jaishankar said in a post on X, “Good to speak today with FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi of Oman. Discussed recent developments in West Asia as well as various aspects of our bilateral cooperation.”
India Condemns Attack on Ship off Oman Coast
Earlier this month, India had condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman amid tensions in West Asia. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the attack as “unacceptable” and stressed the importance of protecting commercial shipping and civilian mariners in regional waters. “The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable, and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted,” the statement said. MEA confirmed that all Indian crew members aboard the vessel were safe following rescue efforts carried out by Omani authorities.
The training initiative underscores the deepening defence ties between India and Oman, with both nations committed to enhancing security cooperation in the region.
