The Sultanate of Oman and India have shared a strong strategic partnership over a century, linked by maritime trade, geography, history, culture and proximity of the Royal Family to India. With the continuous reciprocal cooperation, the Oman-India bilateral relation is heading towards its highest point, under the proficient guidance by the Government of the two friendly countries. To further secure the trust, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an official visit to Oman February 11 – 12, 2018 and met the leader of Oman His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said and other key leaders.
PM Modi is visiting Oman for the first time as Prime Minister. During the visit, he will hold discussions on matters of mutual interest with their leaders, apart from participating in other events. PM Modi will focus on intensifying the cooperation in key sectors such as trade and defense. The visit will stimulate and strengthen the existing cooperation between the two countries in opening the door wider for providing more investment opportunities to new businessmen and investors.
Talking about the tourism relations between the two countries, Salem Al Mamari, director general of tourism promotion, ministry of tourism – Oman said, “From and employment seeking destination, Indian today view Oman as also a short-haul leisure destination that offers some unique experiences in the Middle East. In the last few years, we have seen an increase in Indian arrivals to Oman. Our growth in Indian arrivals in 2017 is eight per cent compared to 2016. To attract more Indian tourists, we have also introduced e-visa to Indians who have valid USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Schengen or Japan visa. With the Indian Prime Minister visiting Oman, we are confident tourism relations between the two countries will improve further.”
The visit will stimulate and strengthen the existing cooperation between the two countries in opening the door wider for providing more investment opportunities to new businessmen and investors.
Oman is a dynamic partner of ‘Make in India’ mission of India. Omani companies directly and in joint venture with local/foreign companies are exploring many avenues of participation. Bilateral trade and investment are key pillars of the India-Oman joint partnership, which is vigorously excelling. India accords a high priority to expanding its bilateral trade and investment ties with Oman, which remain robust and buoyant. India needs to amplify the area of collaboration with Oman in cooperation in trade; investment and energy security as well as a high level political rendezvous among the two counties will drive the associations in the affirmative track and also endow with a fresh impetus to the economic relations.