PM Modi's Oman visit: Attends India-Oman business meet
PM Narendra Modi was on a two-day state visit to Oman. The two sides signed eight agreements. He also addressed the Indian diaspora at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in capital Muscat. On his maiden trip to Oman, the PM attended the India-Oman business meet. Modi's trip to Oman is part of the three-nation tour, which included Palestine and UAE. Here's more about it.
What agreements did the two sides sign?
To strengthen India-Oman's bilateral relations, PM Modi led delegation-level talks with Oman's Sultan Qaboos. They discussed better cooperation in trade & investment, energy, defense, food security and regional issues. Further, they signed MoUs on collaboration in legal/judicial, military, tourism and health matters, among others. Sultan also appreciated the contribution of "honest and hard working" Indian nationals to Oman's development.
In Muscat, Modi lauded the Indian community
In Oman, Indians constitute the largest expatriate community. While addressing them at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Modi slammed Congress for their "mis-governance." Then, apart from talking about his government's achievements, the PM also lauded the 8L Indians in Oman for being goodwill ambassadors contributing to the country's development. He added that India-Oman ties remain strong despite ups and down in political environment.
What did Modi pitch at the India-Oman business meet?
PM Modi joined the India-Oman business meet and met Omani CEOs. He spoke about India's economic prowess and investment opportunities. He also pitched India as an attractive business destination. Further, he said India-Oman's collaboration would expand the two countries' strategic partnership.
What are PM Modi's other engagements in Oman?
Modi also met Oman's deputy PM for International Relations Sayyid Asa'ad and discussed "intensification of bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest," tweeted MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. He will also meet the other deputy PM for the Council of Ministers Sayyid Fahd. Subsequently, he will visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque and a Shiva temple in Muscat, before returning to India.
Meanwhile, what is Oman's significance for India?
India-Oman's strong relations have gradually grown to support India in expanding its regional balance act in turbulent West Asia. Economically, bilateral trade/investment between India and Oman remains resilient at $4 billion in 2016-17. Strategically, considering China's designs in the Indian Ocean, India reportedly plans to set up military presence in Oman in collaboration with France. This could add new dynamics to the relationship.
