India, Oman Discuss Strait of Hormuz and Regional Security

India and Oman review bilateral ties and discuss trade, energy, defence and maritime cooperation, while exchanging views on regional security and developments around the Strait of Hormuz.

India and Oman reviewed their bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional security and developments around the Strait of Hormuz during the 15th round of the India-Oman Strategic Consultative Group meeting held in New Delhi. The discussions covered political and strategic cooperation, trade and investment, energy, defence and maritime ties.

The meeting was co-chaired by Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs at Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides reviewed ongoing bilateral initiatives and discussed opportunities to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

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According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions included implementation of the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), along with cooperation in energy, defence, maritime affairs, digital collaboration, education, culture and people-to-people ties. The two sides also examined ways to strengthen trade and investment links through the economic partnership framework.

Regional and international developments formed another part of the consultations. India and Oman exchanged views on regional security, maritime security and developments relating to the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important maritime route for global energy and shipping. The discussions come amid heightened attention to security conditions in and around the Gulf region.

Oman’s Foreign Ministry said the meeting also focused on activating the CEPA to enhance commercial and investment exchanges and expand economic cooperation. The two sides reviewed cooperation in civil aviation, maritime transport, logistics and energy, while also discussing consular matters and bilateral agreements.

The consultations also provided an opportunity to review the broader strategic partnership between the two countries. India and Oman noted the deepening of their relationship in recent years and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various areas.

The Omani delegation included Oman’s Ambassador to India Issa bin Saleh Al Shaibani and other officials, while Indian and Omani representatives from relevant ministries participated in the discussions. The 15th Strategic Consultative Group meeting continues the established mechanism for both countries to review bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

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The latest discussions underscore the importance both countries place on economic, maritime and strategic cooperation, while maintaining regular consultations on developments affecting regional stability and connectivity.