3rd Edition of TAS Conclave

December 10, 2023

Address by Ambassador Amit Narang

H.E Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, the Hon’ble Governor of Muscat,

Distinguished dignitaries,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning, As Salam Walekum, Namaskar,

I am delighted to be a part of the TAS Conclave, marking its third triumphant year. My sincere appreciation to Nishad and the entire team for their outstanding efforts in putting together the TAS Conclave that has become an important platform for intellectual discussions in Oman.

The theme of this year’s TAS Conclave is ‘Future Forward’ and I am happy to share some thoughts on the future of India-Oman relations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is well known that India-Oman ties have a glorious past.

What is most remarkable of the 5000 years or so of this relationship, is that it is marked by lack of any conflict. From the times of Majan and Mohenjodaro, the Indian and Omani people have only engaged in the peaceful exchange – of trade, commerce, culture and ideas. There is not an single instance where this friendship has been interrupted by conflict, domination or misunderstanding.

In the modern age as well, our peoples have interacted across the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the spirit of peace and amity.

Indians have played a major role in the rapid and impressive nation-building in Oman under the Blessed Renaissance and continue to contribute to Oman’s rise.

If the past was glorious and the present robust, can the future be any different?

My proposition to you is that the future of India-Oman relations is together, collaborative and bright.

That our future is together was exemplified most recently this year by the participation of the Sultanate of Oman as a special guest during India’s Presidency of the G-20.

India's invitation to Oman to participate in the G-20 as its special guest was a unique gesture of friendship. It showcased the importance attached by India to this relationship.

On its part, the participation of Oman in over 150 meetings of the G-20 was meaningful and constructive and Oman’s perspectives and insights contributed to enriching the wide ranging discussions under our Presidency.

The future of India-Oman relations is also collaborative.

The two countries are partners that are working together to shape a new, collaborative and bright future for their peoples and also for the wider world.

We find a remarkable synergy in the visions of the Indian and Omani leaderships.

Today, under the wise guidance of HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and his ‘Oman Vision 2040’, Oman is charting a decisive course toward economic diversification and all round social, economic and environmental progress.

In India, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our national vision under the initiative ‘Amrit Kaal’, envisions a vibrant, self-reliant India.

The remarkable synergy between Amrit Kaal and Vision 2040 sets the stage for a dynamic collaboration that will undoubtedly propel both nations toward sustained growth and prosperity.

As Oman takes steps towards achieving His Majesty’s ‘Vision 2040’, India will be Oman’s natural partner; a reliable source for imports, a top destination for Oman’s own exports and investments, a talent pool for Oman’s economy and partner in technological and economic diversification.

The future of India-Oman relations is undoubtedly bright.

Our economic ties are flourishing, with bilateral trade doubling in the past two years, reaching USD 12.4 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23. India's substantial investments in Oman's ports and free zones, particularly in Sohar, Salalah, and Duqm, underscore the strength of our economic partnership.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of being present for the ground breaking ceremony of Oman’s first green hydrogen ready green steel plant in Duqm. It is no surprise that this pioneering project is an Indian investment, by Jindal Steel that already operates Oman’s largest steel plant in Sohar.

Today, India is the world’s fastest growing large economy, expected to become the world’s third largest in a few more years.

India’s entrepreneurial talent is driving innovation and speed not seen before. Today India has 111 unicorns with a market valuation of over US$ 350 billion, as compared to 6 in the entire MENA region.

India's booming economy and the emergence of numerous unicorns are creating new avenues for collaboration.

These unicorns, representing innovation and entrepreneurship, are transforming sectors such as technology, e-commerce, and healthcare.

The Indian startup ecosystem holds significant potential for partnerships, investment, and knowledge exchange, offering exciting prospects for the future.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we envision the future trajectory of India-Oman relations, it is heartening to witness the remarkable growth and diversification in our ties.

Today, the bilateral ties between India and Oman stand at a cusp of a new phase, driven by the visions of our leaders and built on the basis of strong mutual trust and friendship between Indian and Omani people.

The future of our relations will tap into the opportunities emerging from both of our rapid growths, in areas as diverse as health and wellness, tourism and culture, space and new technologies, digital and financial inclusion, martitime security, defence and strategic projects.

Dear Friends,

India-Oman relations are future-ready and the future of our relations is together, collborative and bright.

I am confident that Indians and Omanis alike will work together to script a future that builds on our storied past and unlocks new avenues of cooperation, understanding, and shared success.

Thank you for your attention.

Jai Hind!