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India and Oman reaffirmed their growing strategic partnership on Monday as senior defence officials from both countries met in New Delhi for the 13th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting. The dialogue, co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Oman’s Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi, placed strong emphasis on expanding defence-industrial collaboration and strengthening long-term strategic planning.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
During the talks, both sides reviewed ongoing defence engagement and identified new priority areas for cooperation. These include: Joint development and co-production of defence systems; Technology sharing and joint innovation in emerging military domains; Strengthening supply chains and improving interoperability; and Long-term frameworks for advanced platform development and indigenous manufacturing.
The discussions reflected a shared view that robust defence industrial cooperation is essential for enhancing regional security, sustaining modernisation efforts, and building resilience in a rapidly evolving strategic environment.
The two delegations also exchanged views on security developments in the Indian Ocean Region, underlining the importance of maintaining open sea lanes, reliable maritime partnerships, and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
High-Level Engagements in New Delhi
While in New Delhi, Al Zaabi also met MoS Sanjay Seth and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. These meetings strengthened momentum behind bilateral defence ties and highlighted both sides’ commitment to maintaining regular, high-level consultations.
Expanded Military Collaboration
The JMCC builds upon a sustained period of defence engagement between the two nations.
Just last month, the Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman held the 3rd Army-to-Army Staff Talks in New Delhi, during which the two sides explored new avenues for joint exercises, specialised training, expert exchanges, and capability development under the Defence Cooperation Plan 2026.
These initiatives follow the successful 2024 edition of Exercise Al Najah, which demonstrated strong interoperability, showcased advanced Indian-made equipment, and strengthened joint readiness in peacekeeping and counter-terrorism scenarios.
Defence Industry Now the Next Big Frontier
With operational and training cooperation firmly established, India and Oman are shifting focus to deeper industrial collaboration. Existing MoUs already allow for joint manufacturing, procurement partnerships, and technology exchanges across shipbuilding, repair and maintenance (MRO), and defence production.
This industrial push aims to create sustainable defence ecosystems in both countries, boosting self-reliance, promoting innovation, and turning both nations into contributors rather than consumers of high-end defence capabilities.
Strategic Significance of the Partnership
Oman’s geographic position near the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz gives the partnership unique maritime value. For India, close cooperation with Oman enhances maritime domain awareness and secures vital sea lines of communication essential for energy and trade flows.
For Oman, India offers a trusted and capable strategic partner with substantial experience in defence manufacturing, training, and operational planning.
Together, both sides are working to strengthen regional maritime security, combat piracy and trafficking, and enhance coordination for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
Upcoming Prime Ministerial Visit to Oman
Diplomatic sources indicate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Oman next month, a trip likely to further boost the defence partnership. The visit is expected to deepen cooperation in defence production, maritime security, and emerging technologies, and could see the announcement of new joint industrial initiatives.
With strong institutional mechanisms, joint committees, staff talks, cooperation plans, and regular leadership-level interactions, the India–Oman partnership is set on a stable, long-term trajectory.
In an era of shifting geopolitical dynamics, the strengthened defence relationship benefits both countries and contributes to broader stability in the Indian Ocean Region. India and Oman are positioning themselves as reliable partners dedicated to cooperation, innovation, and shared security.
