India-Oman Relations
Oman, located in the Gulf region, is a major strategic partner of India. The two countries have had cordial maritime trade relations since ancient times. Oman is home to a large number of overseas Indians,which have contributed significantly to the development of the country's economy.
Oman is the only country among Arab countries that supported India in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Oman also plays an important role in meeting India's energy needs. The Bina refinery has been built in Madhya Pradesh, India, with the help of Oman.
Bilateral trade between India and Oman reached $5.7 billion in the financial year 2013-14, but declined by 28%in the financial year 2014-15 due to the global fall in oil prices.
India exports refined mineral oil, machinery and electronic equipment, pharmaceutical products, tea, coffee and food items to Oman, while India imports urea, natural gas, crude oil and chromite ore from Oman.
India established 'Oman India Fertilizer Company' in the year 2006 in Sur region of Oman. All urea and ammonia produced in this plant is procured by India itself.
Simultaneously, the two countries have agreed to coordinate efforts to counter terrorism and radicalization and to prevent the misuse of religion.
India and Oman signed the 2005 Military Cooperation Agreement, which was renewed in 2016. Under this military cooperation agreement, regular military exercises have been organized between the two countries.
India has been using the ports of Oman for maritime piracy of its merchant ships in the Arabian Sea.
