Oman, India to expand partnership

The two sides agreed to coordinate efforts to counter extremism and radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and perpetrating acts of terrorism.
They reiterated that the experiences of India and Oman in building inclusive societies should be promoted as effective models in countering extremism and radicalisation.
The two sides underlined the importance of coordinated efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement, in accordance with the relevant principles and purposes of the UN Charter and international laws.
In this regard, the two sides called for early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations.
Recognising their common responsibility towards promoting regional peace and security, the two sides underlined the importance of further cementing bilateral strategic engagement, especially in the areas of security and defence.
The two sides expressed satisfaction at the ongoing bilateral security collaboration in the fields of counterterrorism, information- sharing and capacity-building.
The Indian Prime Minister appreciated the support extended by Omani security agencies on specific issues of security concern to India.
The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of law enforcement, anti-money laundering and prevention of smuggling of currency, drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migration and other transnational organised crimes.
Expressing serious concerns at the misuse of cyber space as a medium to promote subversive and extremist ideologies, the two sides acknowledged the importance of enhancing cooperation in field of cyber security and mandated the concerned officials to hold discussions to identify avenues for cooperation.
Defence Cooperation
The two sides noted that the MoU on military cooperation signed in 2005 and renewed in 2016 has provided the general framework to strengthen bilateral defence ties.
They further noted that the MoUs on cooperation in maritime security and between Coast Guards of the two countries signed in May 2016 have provided a firm foundation for deepening institutional interactions.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the signing of an annexure to the existing MoU on military cooperation between the defence ministries.
The two sides agreed to provide further impetus to the robust defence relations, including through regular holding of joint exercises by the three defence forces, training of navy, air and army officials, as also cooperation in the area of coastal defence and through participation in defence exhibitions etc.
Expressing satisfaction at the progress achieved in the ninth round of bilateral Joint Military Cooperation Committee talks held in New Delhi in April 2017, the two sides agreed to hold the next meeting in 2018 in Muscat.
The Omani side acknowledged the opportunities offered under the ‘Make in India’ initiative for joint production of defence equipment in India and also for the procurement of defence material from India.
The two sides agreed to explore further opportunities in these areas of common interest.
The Indian side thanked Omani side for facilitating operational visits by Indian naval ships and aircraft as well as Indian Air Force aircraft to various Omani ports and airports.
The Omani side expressed appreciation of the training facilities provided to the Omani Royal Armed Forces personnel by India.
The two sides expressed happiness at signing of an MoU on cooperation between Omani National Defence College and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses of India, during the visit.
Maritime Security
The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean regions, vital for the security and prosperity of both countries.
They further agreed to promote bilateral collaboration for humanitarian assistance and evacuation in natural disasters and conflict situations.
The Indian Prime Minister thanked His Majesty the Sultan for the Omani assistance during “Operation Rahat” conducted by India to evacuate Indian and foreign nationals from Yemen in March-April 2015.
Both sides underlined the on-going transformation of the economies of India and Oman and emphasised the importance of expanding trade and investment ties to drive the strategic engagement forward.
Trade and Investment
The two leaders directed their finance and trade ministers to work together to find ways and means to substantially increase the flow of bilateral investments and trade.
The two sides expressed satisfaction at the growing presence of Indian and Omani companies in each other’s market and agreed to further encourage trade promotion measures and participation in fairs and exhibitions.
The Indian Prime Minister expressed his admiration at the ongoing efforts and plans the Sultanate of Oman is making to diversify its economy and welcomed the invitation to Indian companies to invest in various sectors in the special economic zones of Oman, including SEZs in Duqm, Suhar and Salalah.
The Indian Prime Minister offered India’s partnership and cooperation in areas of priority, such as minerals and mining, manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture and fisheries, IT and IT enabled-services, skills development, innovation etc. The two sides welcomed the signing of an MoU on Cooperation in Maritime Transport and Ports during the visit and called for its expeditious implementation.
The Indian Prime Minister apprised His Majesty of various key initiatives of the government, including “Start Up India”, “Make in India”, “Smart City”, “Digital India” and “Clean India”, highlighting their strong potential to provide Indian economy a positive thrust for sustained growth.
The Indian Prime Minister highlighted the major initiatives taken by his government, including for improving the ease of doing business and invited Omani sovereign wealth funds, including State General Reserve Fund, and private businesses to invest in India.
The two sides expressed their commitment to encourage mutual investments and agreed that India-Oman Joint Investment Fund could be an important mechanism to raise funds for two-way investments.
To provide a legal framework for promotion and protection of bilateral investments, the two sides directed their respective ministries to conclude the ongoing negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty for early finalisation.
The Omani side congratulated the Indian Prime Minister on his initiative on launching International Solar Alliance (ISA) and conveyed Oman’s decision to join the alliance.
Energy
The Indian Prime Minister thanked His Majesty the Sultan for joining the ISA, stressing that the ISA provides a useful platform for countries with rich potential of solar energy to work together to tap their full potential.
He reiterated India’s offer to share India’s experience and capabilities with Oman in development of its renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power etc.
The Indian Prime Minister reiterated India’s invitation to Oman to participate in building the strategic oil reserves in India.
His Majesty the Sultan briefed the Indian Prime Minister on Oman’s own initiative to create its strategic oil reserves in Ras Markaz near Duqm.
The two sides agreed that there is broad scope for mutual cooperation in building their strategic oil reserves.
Space and IT Cooperation

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