India and Oman have reaffirmed their resolve to deepen bilateral Defence ties as the two countries signed four key agreements in the critical sector with focus on enhancing military cooperation.
The pacts were signed during Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's maiden visit to Muscat on Saturday.
The agreements included defence co-operation, marine crime prevention, maritime issues and flight safety information exchange. Parrikar, who was on an official two-day visit at the invitation of Bader Bin Saud Bin Harib Al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defense Affairs of Oman, later left for UAE.
Giving details of his visit, a Defence Ministry statement said during Parrikar's talks with the leadership there, all aspects of bilateral defence co-operation including enhanced military to military exchanges were discussed. Both sides also exchanged views on regional developments of mutual interest.
Both sides noted that defence cooperation is a key facet of their bilateral strategic partnership. It was agreed that the two sides would further expand and consolidate their ongoing bilateral defence cooperation, the statement said.
Parrikar reiterated the high importance that India attaches to its strategic partnership with Oman and 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 IAF planes.
He 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 naval ships INS Delhi, INS Deepak and INS Tarkash.
The minister was accompanied by a high-level official delegation comprising Secretary (Defence Production) Ashok Gupta, DRDO chief Dr S Christopher, Army Vice Chief lt Gen MMS Rai, designated new Navy chief Vice Admiral Sunil lanba, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal B S Dhanoa besides other senior defence ministry officials.
Meanwhile, in an effort to forge closer maritime relations with countries in the Gulf region, three Indian Navy ships are visiting Muscat, Oman from May 21 to 24. The visit coincided with the visit of the Indian defence minister.
led by Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Rear Admiral Ravneet Singh, the three ships entered Muscat on Sunday. During their stay, the crew of these ships will undertake professional interactions with the Royal Navy of Oman(RNO) pertaining to nuances of maritime operations, including means of combating maritime terrorism and piracy.
Giving details of the ongoing visit, Navy officials said here on Sunday the Indian ships are also likely to conduct exercises with the Royal Navy of Oman. In addition, calls on senior Government and military authorities, sporting and cultural interactions and sharing of best practices, aimed at enhancing cooperation, strengthening ties and mutual understanding between the two navies, are also planned.
Bilateral relations between India and Oman have been historically strong based on deep cultural affinity and vibrant economic linkages. In modern times, these were formally established with the 1953 Indo-Oman Treaty of Friendship, Navigation and Commerce, a first between India and any Arab country.
The signing of a MoU on Defence Cooperation in December 2005 and the subsequent establishment of the Joint Military Cooperation Committee in March 2006 has set the foundation for increased defence cooperation, they said.
Since then, naval co-operation between the countries has progressed steadily with increased port visits by naval ships and training of RNO personnel by the Indian Navy in hydrography, diving, training, logistics and dockyard management.
India and Oman are also members of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a voluntary and co-operative initiative between 30 countries of the Indian Ocean Region, which has served as an ideal forum for sharing of information and cooperation on maritime issues. Oman also supports Indian Navy's anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden by providing related facilities.
The successful conduct of bilateral biennial naval exercise ‘Naseem Al-Bahr’ off the Indian Coast in February 2016 has reinforced the strong ties between the two navies. The Royal Navy of Oman’s participation in the recently concluded International Fleet Review at Visakhapatnam, India with two ships is another indicator of the close ties between the two Navies.
The current visit would be another milestone in the strong maritime relationship between the countries. It will strengthen mutual understanding, facilitate sharing of best practices and enhance interoperability. It will enable a common understanding of the security challenges in the region and contribute to security and stability of this vital part of the Indian Ocean Region.
Captain Sandeep Singh Sandhu is commanding INS Delhi, INS Tarkash commanded by Captain Pradeep Singh and Captain Sujit Kumar Chhetri leading INS Deepak.