Friday 26 / April / 2024
Muscat: India's ambassador to Oman has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit holds significance to Oman and India's strong and ever-evolving bilateral ties.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Oman on February 11 and 12, 2018. We are looking forward to a successful visit", said H.E. Indra Mani Pandey, speaking exclusively to Times of Oman.
On his two-day visit, which is part of the four-day Gulf tour of Palestine, Abu Dhabi and Oman, he will meet His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, address the Indian diaspora and meet with eminent Omani and Indian businessmen.
"He will be addressing the Indian community and will be meeting with business heads of Oman including heads of public authorities who deal with economic and commercial relations."
He added, "The business event is being organised by the Ministry of Commerce and industry in collaboration with the embassy."
Speaking about Oman and India's strong and ever-evolving bilateral ties he said, "Oman has always been a trusted partner of India in the Gulf region. The importance given to Oman is reflected in the fact that the Prime Ministers have been visiting us regularly. Starting with PM Rajiv Gandhi, PM Narsimha Rao, PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, PM Dr Manmohan SIngh and now PM Modi."
H.E. Pandey highlighted our maritime relations and its importance in trade and investment between the two countries. "We always look at countries bordering us through our land periphery. But if we set aside the mindset and we look at countries that border India through Indian Ocean then all Gulf countries are our neighbors," he explained.
He said, "The gulf is an important part of India's trade and investment. Gulf region as a whole is the largest trade partner of India and the investment has been taking place both ways."
He also gave an example of how Oman supports India in its efforts in the Gulf of Aden. "One very important facet of the assistance that Oman provides for Indian mission in Gulf of Aden. India is a part of international efforts to counter piracy in the gulf of Aden. Our naval forces are deployed there. Our navy ships visit Salalah port and Duqm for regular tours, for operational turnaround," he said.
While Oman has always been in the fore, not only in the region but also globally, in counter-terrorism efforts, India too has been making remarkable progress in the subject. "India has been playing a very important role in global counter-terrorism efforts. Oman has been a key player both locally and globally in counter-terrorism efforts."
He added, "We can be role models for other societies where we respect the diversity and populations have not been radicalized or impacted by the trends of radicalization. There is immense opportunity for the two countries to work together in that domain too."
