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Defense ties between Oman and India deepen as the two countries sign two agreements on military matters
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The cooperation will enhance maritime security and further boost relations between the navy forces of the two countries
Oman and India have pledged to deepen their military ties that will further strengthen bilateral relations and joint interests of the two countries.
Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed between the two nations to renew cooperation in the military field, as well as the cooperation between the navy forces in the areas of maritime security.
The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense in Al Mirtafa’a Camp here today. The military cooperation renewal MoU was signed from the Omani side by Dr. Mohammed Nasser al-Zaabi, Secretary-General at the Ministry of Defense, while it was signed from the Indian side by Munu Mahawar, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate.
The MoU regulates aspects of the military cooperation between the Sultanate and India in a manner that boosts their bilateral relations and joint interests. Meanwhile, the maritime cooperation renewal MoU was signed by Rear Admiral Saif Nasser al-Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) and the Indian Ambassador to the Sultanate. This MoU aims at strengthening cooperation in the maritime fields and exchanging interests in maritime security between the two friendly countries.
The defense ties between India and Oman go back to more than twenty years. In 2005, Oman became first country in GCC to institute a robust defense and security cooperation mechanism with India which was renewed in 2016. Notably in 2010, Oman announced its decision to purchase assault rifles from India after it successfully passed the trial run and endurance tests for extreme temperatures. .
Interactions in the defense sphere have been robust in recent times. In March 2017, the troops of the two countries finished ‘al-Nagah-II 2017’ military exercise in Himachal Pradesh, India. In January 2017, the Air Force exercise ‘Eastern Bridge’ concluded at Jamnagar, India. While in December 2017 Naval Exercise culminated in Oman.
