Oman, the 'Gateway' of Gulf countries, is the Muslim country where a 125 year old temple is present.

New Delhi/Muscat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going on a visit to Oman. This visit is not just a diplomatic ritual. This is an attempt to give new color to thousands of years old relationships. Oman is India’s oldest and most trusted friend among the Gulf countries. Whenever India needed help in the Arabian Sea, Oman always stood by. This visit of PM Modi is considered very important strategically. Oman’s support amid China’s increasing actions is no less than a Brahmastra for India. There is talk of this friendship from the streets of Muscat to the court of Delhi. History is witness to the fact that even when maps were not made in the world, ships used to run between India and Oman. Let us know why Oman is so special for India.

Wooden boats and the smell of spices, how did the India-Oman relationship begin?

The relationship between India and Oman is not of today. This relationship dates back to the time of Indus Valley Civilization. At that time Oman was called ‘Magan’. Ships used to go to Oman from Lothal port in Gujarat. At that time there were no ships with engines. There were wooden boats. Which were called ‘Dhow’. These boats used to move with the help of wind. Indian sailors knew how to use the monsoon winds. They used to reach Oman with the direction of the wind.

Spices, cloth and grains used to go to Oman from India. In return, dates and pearls used to come to India from there. This trade was so deep that the roots of many old families of Oman are still found in Kutch and Mandvi of Gujarat.

Duqm Port: India’s impenetrable fort in the sea, why is China worried?

In this visit of PM Modi, ‘Dukum Port’ is being discussed the most. Oman has given permission to India to use this port. This port is very important strategically. It is right at the mouth of the Arabian Sea. From here India can keep an eye on the entire Indian Ocean. Indian Navy ships can stop here. Can get repairs done and get supplies.

China was trying to encircle India through Djibouti and Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. But India has cut off China’s move through Duqm Port. This port is like an impenetrable fort in the sea for India. PM Modi’s visit will further strengthen this cooperation. It is certain that the enemies will lose their sleep.

Sultans who studied in India

The royal family of Oman has a deep emotional attachment to India. Late Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed of Oman did his studies in India. He studied in Pune. He loved India so much that he often called India his second home. His father also lived in India. Even today, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman gives special importance to India.
Whenever an Indian Prime Minister goes to Oman, he is welcomed by breaking protocol. There is a very old Shiva temple in Muscat. This temple is about 125 years old. It is called Motishwar Temple. The existence of such an old temple in a Muslim Gulf country shows how much respect the Indian people get there. PM Modi has also visited this temple.

Kutchi language and Oman market: Do you know this secret?

If you go to the old market ‘Muttarah Souq’ of Muscat, you will be surprised. There you will find many shopkeepers speaking ‘Kachhi’ language among themselves. These are the people whose ancestors went to Oman from Gujarat centuries ago. He has got citizenship there. They are called ‘Lavatia’. But they have not given up their language and culture. They are the backbone of Oman’s economy. The people of Oman are also crazy about Indian food. You will get the taste of Indian spices in the biryani and kebab there. This relationship is not just on paper. It is mixed in the air and soil there.

Oman opened its treasures for India, raised its eyelids to welcome PM Modi (symbolic picture created with the help of AI)

Oil, gas and 6000 companies: India’s economic power in Oman

Oman is very important for India’s energy security. India buys most of its oil and gas needs from Oman. But now the matter is not limited to oil only. More than 6000 Indian companies are working in Oman. Indian engineers are making big projects there. About 7 lakh Indians live in Oman. These people sweat for the progress there. They send billions of dollars to India every year.

Digital payments will also be discussed during PM Modi’s visit. India’s RuPay Card is accepted in Oman. This shows the depth of economic relations. Both the countries are now also moving towards Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Coordination of armies: Indian lions roar in the desert

Defense relations between India and Oman are very strong. All three armies (Army, Navy, Air Force) conduct maneuvers with each other. Military exercises like ‘Al Najeh’ and ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ showcase the strength of both the countries. Omani officers take training in military institutes of India. Oman is the only country in the Gulf with which all three armies of India conduct bilateral exercises. This trust hurts Pakistan the most. Because despite being a Muslim country, Oman trusts India more than Pakistan. PM Modi wants to take this defense cooperation to the next level. There can also be discussion on space technology and missile systems.

Age of Pirates: Jugalbandi between India and Oman

There is always a threat of pirates in the Arabian Sea. Merchant ships passing near Somalia are at risk. The navies of India and Oman work together to combat these pirates. Both countries share intelligence information. Oman allows India to use its airspace. Very few countries get this facility. Whenever there is a crisis in Yemen or any other country, Oman becomes the base of rescue operations for India.

Door to the Gulf: Why is Oman so important?

Oman is called the ‘Gateway of Gulf’. It is located near the Strait of Hormuz. A large part of the world’s oil trade takes place through this route. Whoever has good relations with Oman will dominate this route. PM Modi understands this very well. That’s why he has kept Oman on top priority in his foreign policy.
Oman’s policy has always been to remain neutral. He doesn’t get into anyone’s fights. Therefore, he can also hold talks between enemies like Iran and America. Such a friend is very precious for India.
Now times are changing. Oil is about to run out. Therefore, India and Oman are now working on the energy of the future. Oman has lots of sunshine and empty land. There is immense potential for making green hydrogen there.
Indian companies are setting up green ammonia and hydrogen plants there. Big agreements can be made on renewable energy in this visit of PM Modi. India wants its stake to remain in Oman’s energy security. This partnership will prepare a roadmap for the coming 50 years.

This friendship with Oman shows that India’s reach has now gone far beyond its borders. India is now building ports in other countries. Deploying its navy there. The respect that Oman has given to India is unmatched.

Over the next three days, will be going to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman. These are three valued partners with whom India has age-old civilizational ties and strong bilateral relations.https://t.co/QSkwR9m6IZ