India and Oman have always maintained close ties despite India’s relationship with other Gulf countries. On Narendra Modi’s three-nation visit in the Gulf, he visited Oman the last.
He was in the Arab country for two days and met many officials including Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, who is the Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, and Sayyid Asa’ad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs.
Apart from that, PM Modi also gave a speech in Muscat and thanked Indian expats for living in Oman for strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
During his meeting with the Sultan of Oman, PM Modi signed eight agreements, including one memorandum of understanding. Raveesh Kumar, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, accompanied PM Modi on his three-nation tour.
One agreement that was the highlight of the entire meet up is that the two countries agreed to start visa-free service between nationals of the two countries.
The two discussed strengthening trade, commerce, and investments between the two countries. Shortly, the countries will work towards cooperating on national security, defense and security, energy, food security, and regional issues.
The memorandum of understanding was signed between the two countries on military cooperation.
Thanking Indian expats
During his speech at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman, Narendra Modi acknowledged Indian expats for helping India maintain good relationships with Oman. Around a million Indian workers live in the Gulf region, but Oman has the largest share.
PM Modi became the first Indian prime minister to travel to Ramallah, Palestine. It was his first stop during the tour, followed by Dubai, and last was Muscat. The man is surely destined to do well to the world and India as well