LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.6148
TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.04.2018
COOPERATION WITH OMAN
6148. SHRIMATI POONAM MAHAJAN:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government recognizes the need for broadening areas of bilateral cooperation with the Sultanate of Oman particularly in shipping, transport, infrastructure building, mining, logistics and tourism sectors and if so, the details thereof including
the potential strategic benefits accruing to the Country in the Gulf region; and
(b) whether the Government also recognises the need for a high level political engagement between Sultanate of Oman and India in order to boost economic relations and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI M.J. AKBAR)
(a) Yes. India and Oman have agreed to cooperate in various areas, including shipping, minerals and mining, manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture and fisheries, IT and IT enabled-services, skills development, innovation etc. Our
relationship with Oman contributes to our existing strong ties with the Gulf region which holds vital stakes for us, including of diaspora, energy, trade, remittances, etc. Oman facilitates Indian naval ships conducting anti-piracy operations in Gulf of Aden.
(b) The recent visit of Prime Minister to Oman on 11-12 February 2018 has further strengthened our bilateral partnership with Oman across the sectors. Besides high level political exchanges, India and Oman have also established various institutional mechanisms
to promote trade and investment including Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) held at the level of Minister of Commerce and Industry from both the countries.
*****