The Sultan of Oman Sultanate, Haitham bin Tarik, is set to arrive in New Delhi today, December 15, for a three-day state visit. This will be his first visit to India since assuming the throne in January 2020. The Sultan will be accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Historical Ties Binding the Two NationsIndia and Oman share long-standing historical, cultural and economic bonds stretching back 5,000 years. Diplomatic ties were formally established in 1955 and upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008. More than 700,000 Indians reside in Oman, playing a vital role in the Sultanates development.This visit by the Sultan marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between India and the Sultanate of Oman.Oman Sultan to arrive in India today for three-day state visitRead @ANI Story | https://t.co/BMot8yYbfl#India #Oman #IndiaOmanties pic.twitter.com/Q25oCZ7JC3— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) December 15, 2023Grand Welcome Awaits the SultanThe Sultan whos travelling to India on the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu, will receive a ceremonial reception by President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will also meet cabinet ministers and visit the National Gallery of Modern Art during his stay. PM Modi will host a luncheon for the visiting dignitaries. Sultans itinerary for India visit Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will also be visiting the National Gallery of Modern Art here and also hold a meeting with PM Modi at Hyderabad House on day two of his vist. Apart from this PM Modi will also host a luncheon for the Sultan during the time of his India Visit. Focus on Future CollaborationThe leaders are expected to explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas like regional stability, trade, culture and defence. India considers Oman a key defence partner in the Gulf. The two nations regularly hold joint military exercises.Special Invitee to the G20Highlighting the close ties, India extended a special G20 invite to Oman this year. Omani ministers participated in over 150 working group meetings across sectors.The visit signifies the priority both nations attach to further growing the multifaceted strategic partnership, anchored in shared history and growing convergence of interests.
