India and Oman are actively enhancing their defence and maritime partnership, as evidenced by recent diplomatic engagements and strategic meetings.
On December 3, 2024, the 13th meeting of the India-Oman Strategic Consultative Group (IOSCG) was held in New Delhi. A thorough assessment of bilateral relations, including defense and maritime cooperation, was the main objective of this summit, which was co-chaired by senior officials from both nations.
The two countries pledged to deepen their relationship in a number of areas, such as energy, trade, digital cooperation, and marine security.
Since the signing of a military pact in 1972, which started the deployment of Indian Navy personnel to the Omani Navy, India has been an important defense partner of Oman. A Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation, which was signed in 2005, is one of several agreements that have been struck over the years to strengthen defense cooperation.
The main platform for defense cooperation between Oman and India is the Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC). Enhancing training programs, cooperative exercises, and information exchange have been topics of recent conversations, with a focus on maritime security activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Indian Navy’s operational usage of Omani ports, especially for anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, is a key component of this alliance. For the logistical support of Indian naval operations, the Duqm Port is very important.
With plans for additional meetings to explore new areas of collaboration, the two nations are expected to continue their defense-related communication and cooperation. At a time that works for everyone, the next IOSCG meeting will take place in Muscat.
The continuing conversations
