Sunday 31 / August / 2025
Muscat: The outgoing ambassador of India to Oman, Indra Mani Pandey, thanked the Indian diaspora, in an exclusive farewell interview with Times TV.
Pandey will be leaving the Sultanate on July 29 for the Ministry of External Affairs’ headquarters in New Delhi. The next Indian ambassador, Munnu Mahawar, is expected to join next month.
After his three-year-long successful tenure, during which he earned the title of being ‘the people’s ambassador’, he said, “I would like to thank the Indian community in Oman because from the very beginning, I received cooperation from them. In fact, if that cooperation was not there, I would have been hesitant in taking the many steps that I took; as I was sure of their cooperation, I was encouraged to do so.”
Embassy help
Indra Mani added, “I would only request them to continue their cooperation with the Indian embassy. We may make mistakes and may not be able to deliver all the services you want. But it’s your embassy, if you continue to support, we will try to live up to your expectations.”
Oman and India share a very long and strong relationship that spans over 5,000 years.
Pandey acknowledged this bond and expressed his delight at having been able to witness it himself. “Oman has been a very good friend, a trusted partner and it was very nice to serve as an ambassador here. To be in Oman and to work towards strengthening the India-Oman partnership has been a privilege. There are no issues to be resolved, there are no limits to the relationship, and people are supportive. When you have an entire government and the people in favour of a strong relationship with India, for an ambassador, it is a big plus.”
Speaking about his next venture, he said, “I presume I will be there for two to three years. I’m going back to the ministry of external affairs.”
He added, “I would love to stay in touch with my friends from Oman and I will be sharing my coordinates. I will welcome Omanis who visit India to come and look for me in Delhi. I will be happy to host you.”
