Oman is also the closest neighbour of India in the Arabian Gulf region and India’s gateway to the Middle East. With its vast maritime coast, Oman is a major hub for India’s Eastern Africa and Indian Ocean Region maritime pursuits. This maritime pact witnessed the first-ever trilateral between India, Oman and Iran, members of the Ashgabat agreement, a transit agreement that aim to connect the Persian Gulf to Central Asia. India and Oman established diplomatic relations in 1955 and elevated ties to a strategic partnership in 2008. With the adoption of the long-term partnership framework, India has firmed up her Middle East outreach.

Source: Economic Times December 20, 2023 06:04 UTC