Indian Navy Chief visits Oman's strategic Duqm port, explores facilities

The Indian Navy Chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar is on a three-day visit to Oman, during which he made a noteworthy stop at Duqm, on Wednesday (August 2). During his time in Duqm, Admiral Kumar addressed the crew of INS Trikand, which is currently deployed for anti-piracy operations in the region. The Chief of Naval Staff was given a tour of the Port of Duqm, witnessing the various facilities available for ship berthing, ship repair, and maintenance. 

This visit is part of CNS’ ongoing official visit to the Sultanate of Oman aimed at strengthening the existing bilateral defence relations between the two nations. As per the Ministry of Defence, during CNS’ visit, he engaged in high-level discussions with Oman's senior military leadership. 

Oman: A key partner in the Gulf 

The visit by India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, on June 26, 2023, underscored the importance of Oman as a crucial partner for India in the Gulf region. During his visit, NSA Doval met with Oman's Sultan and Prime Minister Haitham bin Tarik, engaging in discussions on critical areas of mutual security and regional stability. As per the Ministry of External Affairs,the visit facilitated a high-level review of multi-faceted bilateral relations, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in economic and technological development, mutual security, and regional stability.

NSA Doval also delivered a personal message of greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Duqm Agreement

India and Oman had also previously signed a commercial agreement on May 8, 2022, between Emdad Logistics Company and the Indian government. The agreement allowed the Indian government to invest in logistics in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD).

India’s strategic access to the Duqm port 

According to officials, India was granted access to the strategic port of Duqm in 2018, marking a significant development in the contest for influence in the Indian Ocean against China. India's access to the port enhances its geopolitical positioning and relatively supports its efforts to counter China's "string of pearls" strategy, which involves strategically located coastal facilities across the Indian Ocean region (IOR). As per the former Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, CR Chaudhary, given that India has been investing in connectivity projects and maritime routes, Duqm port is an enduring option to assist Chabahar port in accessing East Africa and other parts of the Gulf. Additionally, the proximity of Duqm to the Iranian port will help India monitor and expand its influence in the region. "The investment opportunities provided through Duqm will prove to be an important milestone in further strengthening and cementing the bilateral trade and economic relationship between India and Oman," the former Minister further stated.

The Indian Navy has been actively involved in strengthening regional maritime security cooperation with West Asian nations and other littoral states in the region. INS Mumbai, along with another Indian Navy ship, submarine INS Shishumar, and two Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8i of the Western Naval Command, had previously visited Duqm back in 2017, and after 2019, the visits of IN ships have continued. The visit by the Indian Navy Chief marks another step in fostering deeper ties with the Sultanate of Oman.