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Westline Group adds one more showroom in Oman

Manikandan Kothot said, they are the dealers for Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Hyundai, Hino, Kia and also Indian companies Tata and Ashok Leyland…reports Vinod Raghavan

MUSCAT :  With the opening up of the economy in the Sultanate of Oman, Westline Group of companies are spreading their wings in the Automobile spare parts market by opening their sixth showroom in the industrial township of Ghala in the Muscat governorate.

 After the inaugural ceremony, speaking to media personnel, Manikandan Kothot, Director, revealed that their sister concern – Empire Parts World, has been operating for the last 15 years dealing in spare parts of vehicles and are dealing in genuine and original spare parts of any vehicle either cars or trucks made in Japan or Korea. 

He said, they are the dealers for Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Hyundai, Hino, Kia and also Indian companies Tata and Ashok Leyland. 

He, further said that the company has big plans for the coming next two years, as they are planning to open 2 more showrooms in Salalah and Nizwa by 2025. With these showrooms coming up, they will be providing around 150 direct jobs to expats and nationals.

He was full of praise for the Oman authorities for the last one year, Oman has open up for entrepreneurs with simplifying rules and regulations in favour of investors.

Alongwith others present were Praveen Kothot, General Manager – Operations, Abdullah Al Habsi, Company Director and Sponsor Badr Al Amry.

ALSO READ-Nepal Embassy in Oman organizes free Health Checkup camp

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Nepal Embassy in Oman organizes free Health Checkup camp

Speaking on the occasion the Ambassador, emphasized the community members to go for regular checkup as this will lead to a  healthy lifestyle…reports Vinod Raghavan

MUSCAT : As part of regular community services, Nepal Embassy in the Sultanate of Oman organized free Helath Check-up Camp alongwith Oman Cancer Association (OCA) and Badr Al Sama Hospital at the Embassy presmises here on a Friday weekly holiday.

Around 200 persons from the Nepal community members alongwith other expats attended the free Health Checkup camp and got thoroughly checkup of their blood sugar test, BMI measurement and also Mammography test.

Inspite of the weekly off, the medical and para medical staff of OCA and Badr Al Sama attended the people about their issues and also counselled them with related to their ailment.

Earlier, the programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional Panas lamp by the Nepal Ambassador Dornath Aryal.

Speaking on the occasion the Ambassador, emphasized the community members to go for regular checkup as this will lead to a  healthy lifestyle.

He also thanked the medical and paramedical staff of OCA and Badr Al Sama hospital for their support and provide free health checkup services. He also thanked the sponsors E6 Holidays Travel Agency and Hamdan Exchange.

The participants also had fun and refreshments provided by Hamdan Exchange and some of them won lucky draw of free one-way Air ticket from Muscat to Kathmandu and some got Dolphin View ticket and gift hampers.

Members of Nepali Social Club and Nepal based Nepali organization participated and volunteered at the camp.

 With the opening up of the economy in the Sultanate of Oman, Westline Group of companies are spreading their wings in the Automobile spare parts market by opening their sixth showroom in the industrial township of Ghala in the Muscat governorate.

 After the inaugural ceremony, speaking to media personnel, Manikandan Kothot, Director, revealed that their sister concern – Empire Parts World, has been operating for the last 15 years dealing in spare parts of vehicles and are dealing in genuine and original spare parts of any vehicle either cars or trucks made in Japan or Korea.

He said, they are the dealers for Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Hyundai, Hino, Kia and also Indian companies Tata and Ashok Leyland.

He, further said that the company has big plans for the coming next two years, as they are planning to open 4 more showrooms in Salalah and Nizwa by 2025. With these showrooms coming up, they will be providing around 150 direct jobs to expats and nationals.

He was full of praise for the Oman authorities for the last one year, Oman has open up for entrepreneurs with simplifying rules and regulations in favour of investors.

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Rain brings vibe energies to people of Oman

Oman welcomes rain as gift of nature, many took selfies and reels, reports Vinod Raghavan

MUSCAT: Rains lashed for the second day in the Sultanate of Oman, bringing to a halt of all activities, as the authorities did not wanted the people to face any hardships due to water logging or traffic snarls.

Traffic snarls are not only seen in big cities of the world, but it can cause road blocks even on the Sultan Qaboos Street on any rainy day.

But, the difference between big cities and Oman is you can’t hear any honking or racing their vehicles in the Sultanate, but they patiently waits to move the snarls at their own pace.

The MET Department had already announced earlier that two days Sunday-Monday will be raining, but as human nature, one cannot resist of not leaving their home to fulfill the responsibility towards their work too.

Besides, rain it was a day for International cycling race – 13th edition of Tour of Oman, which also caused the blockage of roads in Muscat governorate, but the expats and nationals took it in their stride.

While, many taking advantage of public holiday and enjoying the rare rain in Oman, didn’t wanted to miss the nature’s gift.

Corniche in Muttrah was a buzzed with people taking selfies and reels.

Anita Rajan, a local actor resident of CBD, Ruwi, has been vying to shoot the famous Bollywood number Rim Jhim Ghire Sawan, Sulag Sulag Jaye Mun, Bheege Aaj Is Mausam Mein, Lagi Kaisi Yeah Agan picturised on Amitabh Bachchan and Moushami Chatterjee in the 80s capturing the rain in Mumbai’s scenic places with sea, traffic and open parks, was lucky enough to capture various locations of Muscat.

Accompanied along-with Kabeer Yousuf, known journalist and actor, helped her in shooting the song at the picturesque Corniche against the roaring Arabian sea.

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India, Oman Cement Defence Ties

The agreement was signed during the 12th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting in Muscat….reports Asian Lite News

 India and Oman on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) pertaining to procurement of defence material and equipment which would provide a framework for a new area of defence collaboration.

The agreement was signed during the 12th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting in Muscat.

India’s Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Oman’s Defence Ministry’s Secretary General Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi co-chaired the meeting, during which the two countries reviewed and appreciated the “robust defence cooperation” between India and Oman, the Defence Ministry (MoD) said in a statement.

According to the MoD, the meeting delved into many new areas of cooperation in the fields of training, joint exercise, information sharing, oceanography, and ship building, that would build mutual trust and interoperability between militaries of both nations.

They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared interest.

Both sides discussed “effective and practical” initiatives to further boost bilateral defence engagements with focus on defence industries collaboration.

Last month, India and Oman had adopted the India-Oman joint vision document titled ‘A Partnership for the Future’ the visit of Oman’s Head of State Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik. The MoU signed on Wednesday was towards implementing the same.

The MoD said that during the two day (January 30-31) visit to Oman, the Defence Secretary also held bilateral talks with the Secretary General.

Aramane highlighted the potential of domestic defence industry with capacity, capability and looked forward to a fruitful partnership with the Armed Forces of Oman. Oman expressed confidence in the capability of Indian defence industry.

The Defence Secretary also invited the Secretary General and his delegation to visit India to witness the defence industrial capability, especially in aerospace and maritime sectors.

Oman is one of India’s closest defence partners in Gulf region and defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between India and Oman. The two countries are committed to work under the vision of strategic partnership, the MoD said.

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Raastha : A movie leads from desert to beautiful locales of Oman

The film directed by Aneesh Anwar, talking to media Aneesh Anwar, shared his experience of shooting movie in Oman and was all praise for the Omani authorities and the locales for their whole-hearted support…reports Asian Lite News

When Art & Commerce goes hand-in-hand the final outcome is beneficial not only to its players but also the nation gains with more talent and exposure to the untapped natural beauty.

The newly formed ALU Entertainment a brainchild of Abdul Lateef Uppala, Managing Director, Badr Al Sama Group of Hospitals and Board member of the prestigious Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is all set to see its first film “Raastha” in Malayalam language to hit the big screens worldwide on January 5th. Nearly 40 crew members along with film and theatre personalities comprising mostly the expats from Oman and also Omanis have put their heart and soul in this 125 minutes film, which will be screened in over 80 theatres in Kerala state, Oman and other GCC countries and also in rest part of the world. 

The story written by two thick friends from Sur in the Batinah region – Shahul and Faiz, were pondering with a real story happened in 2011 in the deserts of Rub-Al-Khali, which is one of the biggest desert in the world. Rub-Al-Khali, is spread over 650,000 km, from Oman to its border nations – UAE, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.  The duo after much difficulty managed to interact with Abdul Latheef and the story narration   motivated him to make Raastha (a Way) as it is based on true facts as it showcases the true nature and culture of Oman. 

“As a Board member of OCCI, I feel it is my responsibility to contribute to the promotion of entertainment and tourism industry of Oman and this movie is first such step in this direction, revealed an energetic Abdul Latheef at a press meet and a gathering of dignitaries at the Oman Chamber of Commerce (OCCI).

The film directed by Aneesh Anwar, talking to media Aneesh Anwar, shared his experience of shooting movie in Oman and was all praise for the Omani authorities and the locales for their whole-hearted support. The beauty of Oman ranging from brown mountains, to blue, olive green seafront and the open blue sky has mesmerized the film director, who said, Oman is a dream land for any filmmaker and he will definitely share his experiences with his friends from the film fraternity, back home in India as Oman is not only a friendly nation, but a filmmaker’s dream land to showcase its beauty on screen.

Prakash

 The film has actors –Sarjano Khalid, Anagha Narayanan, Aaradhya Ann, Sudheesh, Irshad Ali, T G Ravi and Aneesh Anwar, Lovel Edathil Balakrishnan, Prakash Vijayan, Sabitha Lijo and Ansar amongst others, the film is produced by Linu Sreenivasan. Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, His Excellency Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas, expressed deep satisfaction and excitement upon knowing that the movie was completely shot in Oman and how it showcases the beauty of Oman. He wished all the best for the movie and assured the crowd that he will watch the movie in the theatre alongwith his family.

Humaid Al Amri, Chairman of Oman Film Society while sharing his experiences said the movie will give a boost to Oman entertainment industry and will inspire more movie makers to come to Oman and shoot movies here. Vishnu Narayanan handles the cinematography, while Avin Mohan Sithara has given the musical score.  Edited by Aftar Anwar, ‘Raastha’ boasts stellar performances complemented by the artistic direction of Venu Thopil. The film features outstanding songs sung by Vineeth Srinivasan, Alphonse Joseph, Suraj Santhosh, and Avin Mohan Sithara.

Blessed Oman: Home to Talented Actors

There are many experienced and budding Omanis and Indian artistes in Oman, who will be seen on big screen on January 5th    

Some of the known actors from Muscat who have been regularly in the art world, besides, doing their routine work, spares time for film and art. They keep chatting through Whats App group or personal interactions, some of them got chance due to their talent in this big budget Malayalam film are:

Lovel Edathil Balakrishnan, native of Thalasshery in northern Kerala Kannur, who has been in Muscat for more than two decades, is a well-known classical dancer and a noted actor, who is known as “Mahabali” carrying the traditional umbrella on the Onam day, is waiting for the D-Day to see self on the big screen through “Raasta”.

Sabitha Lio John

Sabitha Lio John, a resident of Muscat, plays the role of a housemaid Fato,a. working in a Omani house, is excited as its her first venture, as few days back she played a tribal women’s role of Muppethy and she feels proud when some of her close aides calls her as Muppethy. Her next venture is in a Anirban Ray’s short film which is likely to released next week. She plays the role of a illegal Bangladeshi migrant, who comes under the radar of security agencies at the border.

Prakash Vijayan, plays the role of a hotel manager Baiju, he is the last person to meet missing persons in the desert. He has a significant role in the 160 minutes movie, where he coordinates Ashraf played by (Lovel Edathil Balakrishnan) in searching the missing persons. He acted in many short films and also directed few plays and short film.

Lovel Edathil Balakrishnan

Ansar, who too performed police inspector in a Malayalam drama recently has a very important role in this film.

Ahmed Al Burtamani (Sami Sarang), tall and handsome Rescue Team commander leads the rescue team from the desert of Rub-Al-Khali, where the foursome including a young women lost their Raastha and the Royal Oman Police team presses chopper and fleets of police vans to rescue them.

Linu Sreenivasan

Sami Sarang, a prominent name in the film and theatre fraternity from Oman, originally belongs from Pakistan’s province Baluchistan. His tall personality with fair complex has done scores of modelling assignments and also acted in many short films. He also directed the first Baluchi Telefilm named “Sangat”

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Growing India-Oman Bonhomie

Sultan Haitham’s visit amidst new regional challenges emphasizes the enduring nature of the strategic partnership, writes Fadia Jiffry

The first visit to India by the Sultan of Oman is significant for several reasons. It has been long since Oman has sent such a high level dignitary and it signals seriousness on the part of both countries to put relations on an even keel. This is particularly relevant in view of the current situation in Gaza. Ties between Oman and India go beyond energy and diaspora to encompass security domains. The visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq also witnessed the adoption of a India-Oman Joint Vision, a partnership for the future. The key to understanding the Sultan’s visit lies in the renewed interest in India in the Persian Gulf, both in economic and strategic terms.

The Sultan’s visit offered both sides the opportunity to discuss the challenges arising from the Israel-Hamas conflict. India’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said while briefing journalists, that multiple challenges thrown up by the conflict in Gaza were an “important element of the discussions”, and there was a shared appreciation of the challenges that both sides face due to the conflict and “catastrophic humanitarian situation”. The two sides also exchanged perspectives on the challenge of terrorism and the need for a two-state solution as a way forward.

Both leaders held delegation-level talks and PM Modi tweeted that they reviewed the full range of bilateral ties and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, innovation and other issues. Speaking at the meeting of the joint delegation, PM Modi said, “Today we are adopting a new India-Oman joint vision, a partnership for the future. In this joint vision, concrete action points have been agreed upon in ten different areas. I am confident that the joint vision will give a new and modern shape to our partnership.”

“I am happy that the discussion on the CEPA agreement is going on and two rounds of discussion have been successfully completed, in which many important issues have been agreed upon. I hope that we will soon be able to sign this agreement which will add a new dimension to our economic cooperation,” PM Modi added. Terming the Sultan’s maiden State visit as ‘historic’, PM Modi said, “I am happy to welcome you to India. Today is a historic day in Oman-India relations as after 26 years, the Sultan of Oman has come to India on a state visit and I have got the opportunity to welcome you. On behalf of the people of India, I welcome you.”

At the end of the third quarter of 2023, commercial exchanges between India and Oman valued Omani Rial 1.447 billion, according to Oman;s News Agency. Bilateral trade has increased over the years and exports from Muscat to India have reached Rial 699 million, with items such as oil, minerals, LNG, polythene, propylate, aluminum and urea. India’s exports to Oman totalled Omani Rial 747 and include rice, motor fuel, gasoline, iron ore and ignition control of vehicles. Significantly, a total of 1,744 Indian companies have invested in Oman in a diverse range of areas.

Strategically, Oman has acted as the Switzerland of the Gulf region, mediating between the US and Iran, and more recently, between Russia and Ukraine. Its’ political significance lies in being geographically located at the crucial position on the Persian Gulf, making it an important staging post for extended maritime activity. Oman’s ports are useful for Indian commercial and naval shipping and all the three armed forces of India have regular exercises with their Omani counterparts. This by itself is significant as the joint vision signed by the two leaders has amongst the list of areas for cooperation, maritime cooperation and connectivity.

Earlier, in 2021, both countries had signed an agreement for exchange of White Shipping information and to boost maritime security cooperation. Far away from the regular strategic interaction between India and Oman comes news of the latter qualifying for the T20I cricket World Cup to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the US next year.

Prime Minister in his remarks during the visit of the Sultan noted that, “Last month, Oman qualified for the T-20 Cricket World Cup to be held in 2024. I congratulate you on this.” As India’s oldest strategic partner in the region and a close friend in India’s extended neighbourhood Oman’s significance cannot be overstated. Sultan Haitham’s visit amidst new regional challenges emphasizes the enduring nature of the strategic partnership. India views Oman not only as a diplomatic ally but also as a gateway to West Asia, fostering peace, stability, and mutually beneficial collaborations.

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Iran and Oman Discuss Bilateral Relations

The Omani Foreign Minister, for his part, called for the international community’s effective measures to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, and the delivery of extensive humanitarian aid to the coastal enclave…reports Asian Lite News

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Hamad al-Busaidi have exchanged views on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip over phone, and discussed the expansion of bilateral relations, according to a statement published on the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s website.

The Iranian Foreign Minister on Thursday condemned the Israeli attacks against the Palestinian people, stressing that the US bore international responsibility due to its “certain complicity” in Israel’s killing in Gaza.

He also expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the agreements reached by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said in May, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Omani Foreign Minister, for his part, called for the international community’s effective measures to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, and the delivery of extensive humanitarian aid to the coastal enclave.

He also highlighted the necessity to further expand “brotherly” relations between the two countries.

Since October 7, Israel has been launching a large-scale military offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in which at least 20,000 Palestinians have been killed.

The Israeli attacks came after Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of about 1,200 Israelis, according to the Israeli authorities.

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7 Arab Nations Excel in Achieving SDG Targets

The ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2023’ highlighted that UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco have accomplished more than two-thirds of their targets…reports Asian Lite News

Seven of the 22 Arab countries – specifically, the UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco – have accomplished more than two-thirds of their targets in the journey towards fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals.

This key achievement was highlighted in a report by the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, in partnership with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The report – ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2023’ – aligns with the Year of Sustainability and building on the recent COP28 discussions.

This pivotal report is a key resource for governments, policymakers, and stakeholders, offering a comprehensive means to track and measure progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Additionally, it identifies key implementation challenges and data gaps, providing a solid foundation for developing actionable strategies.

Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said, “The report reflects MBRSG’s dedication to empowering governments with innovative and proactive policies to meet various challenges and adapt to evolving circumstances at local, regional, and global levels,” he added.

Dr. Al Marri explained, “The report sheds light on the various development challenges confronting the Arab region, particularly its least developed countries. By adopting a data-driven approach, it offers a practical tool for targeted interventions aimed at fostering positive transformations across the region in relation to all Sustainable Development Goals.”

Dr. Fadi Salem, Director of the Policy Research Department at MBRSG and co-author of the report, stated, “The index, with its data-driven insights, underscores significant regional challenges and priorities. It calls for concerted efforts in the upcoming years to expedite development across diverse regional paths.” He also highlighted the importance of leveraging COP28 outcomes for unified regional progress towards a sustainable future.

Despite some regional advancements, the report highlights substantial ongoing obstacles in various developmental sectors within the Arab region. It calls for intensive efforts and the adoption of regional strategies to bridge existing gaps and foster progress towards a more sustainable future.

The report particularly highlights challenges in achieving gender equality (SDG 5), where all Arab countries have shown low performance, and the impact of conflicts on realising SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). It calls for increased collective efforts to enhance gender equality policies, strengthen institutions, and tackle conflict-related issues.

Additionally, the report notes advancements in SDG 3 (good health and well-being) in some Arab countries, especially in basic health outcomes like neonatal and under-five mortality rates, and improvements in sectors related to SDG 4 (quality education).

Lama Zakzak, Principal Researcher at MBRSG and co-author, stressed the importance of the report’s findings on SDG 13 (climate action). She pointed out that while some countries have made progress in climate action, the least developed are still vulnerable to climate disasters and require significant support for climate-related goals, including adaptation measures.

Guillaume Lafortune, Vice President of the UN SDSN, commented, “This updated report offers a renewed assessment of the SDG progress and challenges in the Arab region, based on transparent and internationally recognized data.” He stressed the urgency of developing long-term investment strategies and ambitious plans with effective monitoring systems to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

The report also identifies the ongoing challenge of data availability, especially in monitoring SDGs related to poverty eradication and inequality reduction. It includes 113 indicators for the 17 SDGs, each with a score, colour-coding for performance levels, and trend arrows.

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Sultan Haitham in Delhi as India, Oman pursue free trade deal

The two leaders expressed their keenness to promote bilateral relations and enhance partnerships between India and Oman in various areas…reports Asian Lite News

constitutes a major milestone that builds on historical relations and paves the way for a new, positive stage in developing bilateral ties, Oman News Agency reported.

The Oman Foreign Minister said the Sultan’s visit underscores the strength of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Sayyid Badr further said that the visit represents a joint commitment to strengthen cooperation that stems from the long-standing foundations of friendship, cultural and economic exchange and continuous interaction between the peoples of the two friendly nations, according to the Oman News Agency.

The Oman Sultan arrived in the national capital on Friday for a three-day state visit. He was received by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, at the Delhi Airport.

President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet in the Oman Sultan’s honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday.

The two leaders expressed their keenness to promote bilateral relations and enhance partnerships between India and Oman in various areas.

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Oman Sultan held a meeting in Delhi and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, and innovation. The two leaders reviewed the full range of bilateral ties.

In a post shared on X, PM Modi stated, “Had an excellent meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman. Reviewing the full range of bilateral ties, we discussed ways to deepen cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, innovation and more.”

During the delegation-level talks, PM Modi and Haitham bin Tariq adopted a new ‘India-Oman joint vision, a partnership for the future’ under which both countries will work in ten different areas.

Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr said the Sultan’s meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirm the existence of tangible cooperation that focuses on Oman-India’s future perspectives on prioritising engagements in the fields of economy, technology, energy, trade and investment.

The Sultan’s visit to India concluded with the endorsement of a joint vision that identified several basic areas of cooperation, reflecting the two countries’ desire to conclude a joint economic partnership agreement, said the minister.

This partnership envisages consolidating cooperation in the fields of maritime security, the fight against terrorism and space technologies, said Sayyid Badr, noting that bilateral cooperation also covers a wide range of topics like research, training and cultural exchanges, according to Oman News Agency.

Sayyid Badr, expressed Oman’s welcome for this boost to relations with India, which, he observed, would significantly contribute to stability and security in the Indian Ocean region.

He said: “The move will also help achieve our joint goals of sustainable economic development that generates benefits to the two countries and the region at large.” (ANI)

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Modi Welcomes Oman Sultan, Holds Talks in Delhi

Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik arrived in India on Friday for a three-day State visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday and discussed future collaborations between the two countries.

PM Modi received the Oman Sultan at the Hyderabad House after he arrived at the venue.

Taking to X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi shared about the meeting saying, “Giving a boost to India-Oman Strategic Partnership! PM @narendramodi warmly received His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman at Hyderabad House, setting the stage for bilateral discussions. Agenda includes taking stock of bilateral ties and charting pathways for the future collaboration between the two countries.”

PM Modi will also host a luncheon in Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik’s honour.

Earlier today, Sultan of Oman was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his state visit to India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu received the Sultan at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik then inspected a Guard of Honour by the combined defence services.

On December 15, Sultan arrived at the Delhi airport on Friday for a three-day State visit and was received by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan.

Earlier, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Arindam Bagchi, said the visit by the Sultan of Oman will further boost the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

“His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik of Oman arrives to a warm welcome in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by @MOS_MEA at the airport. The visit will further reinforce the longstanding friendship and cooperation between India & Oman and strengthen bilateral ties,” Bagchi posted from his official handle on X.

The MEA noted that the maiden State visit by the Sultan of Oman marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Muscat.

The visit will be an opportunity to explore avenues for future collaboration between India and Oman for regional stability, progress and prosperity, the MEA release stated.

Significantly, India and Oman share a long-standing friendship rooted in historical, cultural, and economic ties. Furthermore, people-to-people contact between India and Oman can be traced back 5,000 years.

The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1955 and were upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008.

Oman is India’s closest defence partner in the Gulf region as well, with defence cooperation emerging as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between the two countries, according to the MEA.

Oman is the only country in West Asia with which all three services of the Indian Armed Forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and service-level staff talks.

India also extended a special invitation to the Sultanate of Oman to participate in the G20 Summit and meetings as a guest country under India’s G20 Presidency.

Oman participated in over 150 working group meetings, with nine of its ministers taking part in various G20 ministerial meetings. (ANI)