BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
In a significant reaffirmation of their long-standing friendship, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, and Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, held a telephonic conversation on December 3. The call came at a meaningful moment as both nations celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, a partnership marked by deep trust, cultural affinity, and steady cooperation across multiple sectors. The discussion between the two ministers reviewed the current trajectory of bilateral ties and explored ways to elevate the strategic partnership to new heights.
They expressed satisfaction with ongoing collaboration in political, economic, energy, defence, and people-to-people domains, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustaining momentum in the years ahead. A key focus of the conversation was the progress toward concluding several new agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in the near future. These prospective frameworks aim to unlock greater mutual benefits by enhancing trade, encouraging investments, strengthening supply chain resilience, and supporting innovation-driven cooperation. Both leaders underscored the importance of expanding economic engagement, noting that bilateral trade has been a vital pillar of the relationship and continues to grow steadily.
Beyond bilateral matters, Sayyid Badr and Dr. Jaishankar also exchanged perspectives on important regional developments. Their discussion covered ongoing efforts related to security coordination, maritime stability, and humanitarian cooperation, issues that both nations consider essential for the peace and prosperity of the wider region. They reiterated their commitment to working closely together in international forums and supporting collective efforts to address global challenges. The conversation ended with mutual appreciation for the enduring friendship between Oman and India, and a shared resolve to deepen cooperation as they mark seven decades of robust diplomatic partnership.
