India and Oman Discuss Strategic Partnership Amid Regional Instability

Muscat: On Friday, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in discussions with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi. The meeting focused on evaluating the broad spectrum of the Strategic Partnership between India and Oman and delving into various regional and global issues.

Jaishankar is currently on a diplomatic visit to Gulf nations and arrived in Oman earlier in the day. In a social media update, he expressed his pleasure at meeting his Omani counterpart and highlighted topics discussed, which included trade, investment, connectivity, maritime affairs, technology, defence, and cyber and artificial intelligence sectors. He stated, "Focused on trade, investments, connectivity, maritime, technology, defence and cyber & AI domains. Had a comprehensive exchange of views on developments in the Gulf, and efforts to ensure peace and stability."

The Ministry of External Affairs of India noted that the talks covered the extensive India-Oman Strategic Partnership, emphasising shared interests in regional and global contexts.

Jaishankar also acknowledged the support provided by the Omani government to Indian seafarers in light of recent regional developments. This follows the unfortunate incident in which three Indian seafarers lost their lives during a US military strike on a commercial tanker, Settebello, off the coast of Oman last month. The vessel had onboard a crew of 24 Indian nationals. The attack happened shortly after a similar assault involving a Palau-flagged ship, which was trying to navigate away from a US blockade impacting Iranian ports.

In the wake of these incidents, India has consistently condemned assaults on merchant vessels and raised concerns at the United Nations Security Council about the safety of its citizens, noting that several have gone missing or were killed in such conflicts in the region.

During his visit, Jaishankar also took the opportunity to interact with the Indian community residing in Oman, recognising their substantial contributions towards bolstering the multifaceted relationship between India and Oman. He remarked, "A good interaction with members of Indian diaspora in Oman this morning. Their enthusiasm in strengthening India-Oman relations was palpable."

This visit to the Gulf comes at a crucial time, amidst rapidly changing political dynamics in West Asia, particularly following a recent agreement aimed at resolving tensions between the United States and Iran.