Oman, India agree to collaborate on space projects

Muscat: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in February this year has resulted in the issuance of a joint statement by Oman and India identifying space as one of several sectors in which the two nations could collaborate.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Oman’s Ministry of Transport and Communications calls for cooperation in areas such as space applications and technologies, space science, satellite-based navigation, and surveillance, among others.
“There are a lot of opportunities for Oman to benefit from space applications and technologies,” said Indra Mani Pandey, former Indian ambassador to Oman. “Be it the management of natural resources, surveillance of the coastal line, or looking at border areas, there are different aspects of space that Oman can benefit from.”
India’s own space journey has been a successful one, especially after it launched its 100th satellite into orbit earlier this year.
“As you know, India’s space sector has developed based on our developmental needs,” said Pandey. “We have lot of experience, from the inception stage, where the requirements can be assessed, to building and managing satellites and ground stations, as well as using space data for different applications.”
The collaboration is expected to benefit both nations, as working with Oman could boost ISRO’s credentials, while the South Asian giant could provide important resources and expertise to Oman.
“What we have offered to Oman is our readiness to share our technologies and experience in whatever manner,” said the former ambassador.
“Here, again, our defining philosophy is that we will go by the requirements of Oman.”