India and Oman officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a framework for collaboration in the defense sector. The agreement includes new areas of defense engagement, particularly the procurement of military equipment was finalised during a meeting of the India-Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee held in Muscat.

During the discussions, both nations conducted a thorough review of their defense cooperation, actively exploring avenues to enhance collaboration in alignment with their shared strategic interests.

The meeting placed particular emphasis on potential collaboration within the defense industrial sector. Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane led the Indian delegation during the talks. The discussions included a focus on the broader situation in West Asia, addressing security concerns stemming from the targeting of cargo vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi militants.

The talks involved a comprehensive review of the robust defense cooperation between India and Oman, as acknowledged and appreciated by both sides, according to the defense ministry.

The meeting explored various new avenues for cooperation, encompassing training, joint exercises, information sharing, oceanography, shipbuilding, and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) facilities. These initiatives aim to foster mutual trust and enhance interoperability between the military forces of both nations, as highlighted in the defense ministry's statement.

The two sides engaged in discussions on regional and global issues of mutual interest, actively exchanging views. The statement from the ministry highlighted their deliberations on effective and practical initiatives to enhance bilateral defense engagements, particularly emphasizing collaboration in defense industries.

The two nations formalized an MoU related to the procurement of defense material and equipment, establishing a framework for collaboration in new defense areas. This agreement comes a month after India and Oman introduced a joint vision document titled 'A Partnership for the Future,' which was adopted during the visit of Oman's Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik to India in December. In Muscat, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane engaged in bilateral discussions with Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi, the Secretary General of Oman's Defence Ministry.

During the discussions, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane emphasized the potential of India's domestic defense industry and anticipated a productive partnership with the armed forces of Oman.

The defense ministry noted the Omani side's confidence in the capabilities of the Indian defense industry. Aramane extended an invitation to the Omani Secretary General and his delegation to visit India and witness the defense industrial capabilities, particularly in the aerospace and maritime sectors.

Oman stands as one of India's closest defense partners in the Gulf region, with defense cooperation serving as a crucial element of their strategic partnership. Both nations are dedicated to working within the framework of a strategic partnership vision.

Image source: Economic Times