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On the occasion of the 59th
Republic Day today, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman,
H.E. Mr. Anil Wadhwa hoisted the Indian National Flag and read out
the President’s Address at a ceremony held at Indian School, Muscat
and Chancery Building in the morning. The ceremony was attended by
hundreds of Indians including members of business community,
professionals, students etc at both the places. Children from all
five Indian schools from the capital region participated in the
function with a march past, singing of patriotic songs and a
colourful cultural programme at the school premises.
In his remarks, Ambassador Wadhwa
highlighted the bilateral relations between India and Oman over the
past year and the future roadmap for the further growth of relations
in the coming year. The hallmark on the political front was the
visit of the Omani Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of
Ministers His Highness Sayyid Fahd Bin Mahmoud Al Said to New Delhi
from December 12-15, 2007 which gave a major boost to the bilateral
relations, during which four MOUs – two in the field of SMEs sector
and one each in the fields of higher education and fertilizers -
were signed. A decision was also taken to launch an India-Oman
Joint Investment Fund with an initial seed capital of US$ 100
million for which modalities are under finalization.
External Affairs Minister of India,
H. E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee and Minister of State for External
Affairs H. E. Mr. E. Ahamed visited Muscat on January 13 & 14, 2008
for the inauguration of the new chancery-cum-residence complex of
the Indian Embassy jointly with his H. E. Mr. Yousuf Bin Alawi Bin
Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate
of Oman. Two MOUs were signed during the visit for setting up a
Plastics Technology Training and Development Center and a Chartered
Accountants Institute in Oman.
The bilateral trade registered an
impressive 43% growth to reach an estimated US$ 1.3 billion at the
end of 2007. Indian companies secured hydrocarbon and mineral
concessions and a consortium comprising an Omani company won
exploration contracts for three hydrocarbon blocks in India. Indian
construction companies bagged contracts worth US$ 684 million. Oman
Chemical & Pharmaceutical Company lined up US$ 15 million investment
for setting up a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in India. Many
other Indian companies have their significant presence in Oman.
Ambassador Wadhwa expressed the hope
that 2008 will witness further strengthening of bilateral trade and
investment relations. While both countries have already identified
certain sectors like tourism & hospitality, IT, education and
training etc. as priority areas for cooperation, there is immense
potential for cooperation in many other new areas such as science &
technology, research & development etc.
On the cultural front, Ambassador
expressed his keenness to partner with the Indian community and
other event organizers to bring many reputed Indian artistes to Oman
in 2007. and organize “India Days” with various cultural functions
in all prominent cities of Oman along with the tourist office in
Dubai.
23,000 Omanis visited India in 2007
– a record. The recent launch of flights by Jet Airways will
increase air connectivity between India and Oman. An agreement with
Oman Post for consular and visa services has been finalized. The
agreement will facilitate access to consular services through 90 odd
outlets of Oman Post even in remote areas of Oman for a nominal fee.
He highlighted the benign protection
of His Majesty’s government for the Indians in Oman and urged the
Indian community to come forward and give their views on how to
invigorate business relations between India and Oman. He announced
the setting up of a business forum in February 2008. He also
exhorted the Indian community to be law abiding and continue to work
hard for the development of both India and Oman.
A few photographs taken on
the occasion are also attached.
See photographs |