Relations:
- Oman is a strategic partner for India in the Gulf.
- India has ancient maritime tradition and maritime interaction with Oman dates back to over 4000 years BC.
- Bilateral relations between both countries were formally established with signing of 1953 Indo-Oman Treaty of friendship, Navigation and Commerce. It was first between India and Arab country.
- Oman accords a high priority to its ties with India.
- Both countries across Arabian Sea are linked by geography, history and culture.
- They enjoy warm and cordial relations and have had trade and people-to-people ties for several millennia
Expatriate community:
- Oman is home to a large Indian expatriate community.
- India is major destination for Omani students pursuing higher studies and also medical tourists.
Trade:
- It is India’s important trading partner.
- In 2010, bilateral trade between India and Oman was $4.5 billion.
- Indian and Omani firms have undertaken joint ventures in wide range of sectors including fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, energy and engineering.
Defence co-operation:
- Oman is first Gulf nation to have formalised defence relations with India.
- Both countries conducted joint military exercises in 2006 and subsequently signed defence agreement.
- Indian Navy has berthing rights in Oman, and has been utilising Oman’s ports as bases for conducting anti-piracy operations in Gulf of Aden.