6. Oman

The Sultanate of Oman has been a traditional friend of India and the strong bilateral relations encompass trade, commerce and energy ties and defence cooperation. Historical ties due to maritime trade and cultural links have formed the basis of the interest convergence. Despite being a smaller economy in the Persian Gulf region, New Delhi recognizes Muscat as an important actor, whose role and influence are critical for minimizing tensions and for maintaining regional stability. The Omani ability to effectively reform its economy and continue to maintain autonomy in foreign policy choices would determine and shape the contours of the Indo-Omani relations. The renewal of political engagement in the form of the prime-ministerial visit in early 2018 was a recognition of the Sultanate’s regional primacy.