Press Release

Visit of Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs of India to Oman (16 – 17 December 2020)

     Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State (MOS) for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs of India, paid an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman on 16 – 17 December 2020. This was the first visit of MOS to Oman in his Ministerial role and his first visit outside India after the outbreak of COVID19 pandemic. The visit followed the virtual meeting between External Affairs/Foreign Ministers of India and Oman on 2 December 2020 and Joint Commission Meeting between Commerce Ministers in 19 October 2020.

2.  During the visit, MOS met with Oman’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi; Minister of Labour, H.E. Dr. Mahad bin Saeed Baouin; and Minister of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion, H.E. Qais bin Mohammed bin Moosa Al Yousef. He also interacted with the representatives of Oman India Friendship Association (OIFA) and a broad cross-section of the Indian community, including representatives of Indian Social Club and Indian schools, social workers, medical professionals, yoga organizations and media professionals.

3.  In talks with Foreign Minister, MOS conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik. Both sides reviewed cooperation on various facets of the strategic partnership, including trade & investment and maritime security. They also discussed ways of strengthening cooperation to deal with COVID related challenges. MOS conveyed gratitude for the support extended to Indian diaspora and excellent cooperation during COVID19. The Ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues.

4.  The meeting with Minister of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion of Oman focused on bilateral economic partnership. MOS noted that India had emerged as a reliable partner of Oman during COVID19 pandemic and sees Oman as an important partner in India’s Self-Reliant Mission (Aatmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan). MOS also conveyed India’s desire to enhance cooperation in priority areas of Oman’s Vision 2040.

5.  In his meeting with Minister of Labour, MOS conveyed appreciation for the Amnesty scheme launched by Oman Government and other labour friendly reforms announced by Oman. The Ministers had a productive discussion on workers’ issues, skill development and promoting safe & legal migration.

6.       MOS met with the members of newly-established Oman India Friendship Association (OIFA) and discussed creative ideas to enhance connect between young citizens of both the countries in business, education and culture.

7.  In his interactions with the representatives of Indian community in Oman, MOS underlined that vibrant people-to-people ties provided the foundation for India-Oman strategic partnership. He lauded the contributions of Indian diaspora in promoting India’s culture and building bonds of friendship between India and Oman. He also commended the role played by the Indian community organizations, social workers, medical professionals and others in supporting the Indian nationals during the COVID19 pandemic. MOS emphasized that welfare of Indian community abroad was a high priority for the Government. He also briefed the community members on India’s Aatmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, New Education Policy 2020 and agricultural reforms.

8.  MOS also offered prayers at historical Shree Motishwar Mahadev Temple which is a testimony to the age-old people-to-people ties between India and Oman.

17 December 2020, Muscat