Tuesday 29 / July / 2025
Muscat: Oman and India reviewed cooperation and strategic partnership, including trade & investment and maritime security during the visit of Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs of India to Oman.
They discussed ways of strengthening cooperation to deal with COVID related challenges. He conveyed gratitude for the support extended to Indian diaspora and excellent cooperation during COVID-19. The ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues.
V. Muraleedharan visited Oman on 16 – 17 December 2020 following a virtual meeting between External Affairs/Foreign Ministers of India and Oman on 2 December 2020 and Joint Commission Meeting between Commerce Ministers on 19 October 2020.
During the visit, the Indian MoS met with Oman’s Foreign Minister. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi; Minister of Labour Dr. Mahad bin Saeed Baouin; and Minister of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed bin Moosa Al Yousef.
He also interacted with the representatives of Oman India Friendship Association (OIFA) and a broad cross-section of the Indian community, including representatives of Indian Social Club and Indian schools, social workers, medical professionals, yoga organisations and media professionals.
In talks, the MoS conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik.
The meeting with Minister of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion of Oman focused on bilateral economic partnership.
He noted that India had emerged as a reliable partner of Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic and sees Oman as an important partner in India’s Self-Reliant Mission (Aatmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan). He conveyed India’s desire to enhance cooperation in priority areas of Oman’s Vision 2040.
In his meeting with Minister of Labour, he conveyed appreciation for the Amnesty scheme launched by Oman Government and other labour friendly reforms announced by Oman.
The Ministers had a productive discussion on workers’ issues, skill development and promoting safe & legal migration.
He met with the members of newly-established Oman India Friendship Association (OIFA) and discussed creative ideas to connect young citizens of both the countries in business, education and culture.
In his interactions with the representatives of Indian community in Oman, MOS underlined that vibrant people-to-people ties provided the foundation for India-Oman strategic partnership. He lauded the contributions of Indian diaspora in promoting India’s culture and building bonds of friendship between India and Oman.
He also commended the role played by the Indian community organisations, social workers, medical professionals and others in supporting the Indian nationals during the COVID pandemic.
He also briefed the community members on India’s Aatmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, New Education Policy 2020 and agricultural reforms.
