Defence Minister of India Shri Manohar Parrikar paid an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman from 20-22 May 2016 at the invitation of H.E. Bader Bin Saud Bin Harib Al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defense Affairs of Oman.
Defence Minister was accompanied by a high-level official delegation comprising Shri Ashok Gupta, Secretary (Defence Production), Dr S. Christopher, Secretary (R&D) & DG, DRDO, Lt. Gen MMS Rai, Vice Chief of Army Staff, Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, FOC-in-C Western Command, and Air Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, Vice Chief of Air Staff as well as other senior defence ministry officials. A defence industry delegation comprising Shri S.C. Bajpai, Additional DG, Ordinance Factory Board and Shri S.K. Sharma CMD, Bharat Electronics Limited also accompanied the Defence Minister of India.
During his visit, Defence Minister met His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, HE Lt Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu’amani, Minister of Royal Office and held bilateral talks with H.E Bader Bin Saud Bin Harib Al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defense Affairs. During the meetings all aspects of bilateral defence cooperation including enhanced military to military exchanges and cooperation were discussed. Both sides also exchanged views on regional developments of mutual interest.
Defence Minister reiterated the high importance that India attaches to its strategic partnership with Oman. He also conveyed his appreciation at the continued support rendered by Oman for the Operational Turnaround (OTR) of Indian Navy ships for anti-piracy patrols as well as technical support for landing and overflight of Indian Air Force aircraft.
Defence Minister also visited the Military Technology College and the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum in Muscat. He also attended a reception at Sultan Qaboos Port to mark the goodwill visit to Oman of INS Delhi, INS Deepak and INS Tarkash.
Four MOUs/agreements were signed during the visit. These are:
(i) MOU on Defence Cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of Sultanate of Oman and Ministry of Defence of Republic of India ;
(ii) MOU between the Royal Oman Police (Coast Guard) and the Indian Coast Guard in the field of Marine Crime Prevention at Sea;
(iii) MOU between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Government of the Republic of India on Maritime Issues; and
(iv) Protocol between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman represented by Royal Air Force of Oman and the Government of India represented by the Indian Air Force on Flight Safety information Exchange.
Both sides noted that defence cooperation is a key facet of their bilateral strategic partnership, which is based on historical ties as well as mutual trust and shared interests. It was agreed that the two sides would further expand and consolidate their ongoing bilateral defence cooperation.
