Embassy of India
Muscat
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Press Release

Visit of Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs of India, to Oman

3-4 October 2022

Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State (MOS) for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs of India, paid an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman October 3-4, 2022. This was his second official visit to Oman in his capacity as the Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs. He last visited in December 2020.

2. During the visit, MOS met with Foreign Minister H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi and undertook a detailed review of the state of bilateral relations between India and Oman. He also held discussions with H.E. Abdulsalam Mohammed Abdullah Al Murshidi, Executive President of Oman Investment Authority, and H.E. Tahir Al Amri, Executive President, Central Bank of Oman. In addition, he interacted with the representatives of a diverse cross-section of the Indian community, including representatives of the Indian Social Club and Indian schools, social and charity workers, Chartered Accountants, and leaders of the healthcare industry. He also addressed the Indian community members at a Reception hosted at the Embassy of India.

3. In his meeting with the Foreign Minister, MOS reaffirmed the invitation of India to the Sultanate of Oman to participate as a Special Guest in the meetings and Summit of the G-20 under India’s Presidency. He noted that this invitation to Oman is a testimony to the high importance attached by Government of India to its bilateral relationship with Oman and expressed confidence that Oman’s participation in the meetings of the G-20 will provide yet another patform for strengthening and deepening of ties between the two countries.

4. MOS discussed strengthening financial connectivity and scaling up investment collaboration between both countries during his separate meetings with H.E Tahir Al Amri, CEO of Central Bank of Oman (CBO), and H.E. Mr. Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, Executive President, Oman Investment Authority. He underscored the huge investment opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing and energy sectors in India and highlighted the policy initiatives being taken in India under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi which have led India to become one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.

5. A milestone MOU was signed in the presence of MOS between the Central Bank of Oman and the National Payments Corporation of India providing for acceptance of RuPay cards and UPI platform in Oman as well as collaboration for seamless cross-border remittances. The MOU will help enhance financial connectivity between the two countries thereby helping boost two-way trade and tourism, apart from benefiting the Indian diaspora. MOS also witnessed the exchange of an MOU between Oman News Agency (ONA) and Asian News International (ANI), which will facilitate greater exchange of news and information between the two sides.

6. MOS also met with the prominent members of the Indian community and community organizations in Oman and listened to their views and suggestions for the well-being of the Indian community in Oman. He thanked them for their enthusiastic contribution to the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence and for their solidarity and contributions for community welfare during the pandemic. In his meetings, he conveyed his deep appreciation to Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the Government of Oman for ensuring the well-being of the vibrant Indian community in Oman.

7. MOS also offered prayers at the famous Krishna Temple located in Darsait, Muscat.

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