PM Modi visited Oman at the weekend where he spoke with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, in order to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries, with the travel industry a key point on the agenda.
The Sultanate of Oman and India have shared a strong strategic partnership for over a century, linked by maritime trade, geography, history, culture and proximity of the Royal Family to India. To further secure this trust, PM Modi visited Oman for the first time as Prime Minister on the official visit to Oman where he met the leader of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, as well as other key leaders.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions on matters of mutual interest with their leaders, apart from participating in other events. PM Modi will focus on intensifying the cooperation in key sectors such as trade and defense. The visit will stimulate and strengthen the existing cooperation between the two countries in opening the door wider for providing more investment opportunities to new businessmen and investors.
Talking about the tourism relations between the two countries, Salem Al Mamari (above), director general of Tourism Promotion, Ministry of Tourism – Oman said, “From and employment seeking destination, Indians today view Oman as also a short-haul leisure destination that offers some unique experiences in the Middle East. In the last few years, we have seen an increase in Indian arrivals to Oman.”
Our growth in Indian arrivals in 2017 is 8% compared to 2016. To attract more Indian tourists, we have also introduced e-visa to Indians who have valid USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Schengen or Japan visas. With the Indian Prime Minister visiting Oman, we are confident tourism relations between the two countries will improve further.” He added.
Oman is a dynamic partner of ‘Make in India’ mission of India. Omani companies directly, and in joint-venture with local/foreign companies, are exploring many avenues of participation. Bilateral trade and investment are vital pillars of the thriving India-Oman partnership.
India accords a high priority to expanding its bilateral trade and investment ties with Oman, which remain robust and buoyant. India needs to amplify the area of collaboration with Oman in cooperation in trade; investment and energy security as well as a high level political rendezvous among the two counties will drive the associations in the affirmative track and also endow with a fresh impetus to the economic relations.
Given that a number of expatriate Indians live and work in Oman, the visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi should enhance the bilateral relations existing between the two countries and strengthen the existing cooperation between the two countries, by opening the door to new opportunities from new investors.