Oman: Ajit Doval meets top leaders, discusses ways to boost security ties

On Monday, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met with Oman’s top leadership, including Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral security ties as well as collaboration in technology, military concerns, and mining.

Doval came to Oman after accompanying Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a state visit to Egypt. Oman is one of the guest countries invited by India to participate in the G20 process this year. Doval presented a written letter from the prime minister to Oman’s monarch that addressed “various aspects of cooperation,” according to the Oman News Agency.

During Doval’s meeting with Sultan Haitham in Al Baraka Palace, the two discussed bilateral relations and measures to strengthen ties in all areas. They also discussed subjects of mutual interest.

Doval expressed to the Sultan the prime minister’s greetings and best wishes for Oman’s success and prosperity. Sultan Haitham returned the pleasantries and best wishes.

Doval and Oman’s foreign minister, Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, met separately and discussed strategic relations between the two nations as well as “aspects of cooperation about promising sectors in technological, military, and mining spheres,” according to the Oman News Agency.

The conversations also touched on business, investment, and cultural relations. The two officials also discussed a variety of regional and international concerns, emphasising the need of the two countries’ leadership in “espousing policies of constructive dialogue and international cooperation.” Sayyid Badr also praised India on hosting the G20 sessions effectively.

Doval also met separately with Gen Sultan Mohammed Al Nu’amani, minister of the royal office, and expressed gratitude to Oman for “improving means of cooperation to achieve the mutual interests of the two countries,” according to the Oman News Agency.

According to the report, the meeting between Doval and Gen Sultan Mohammed took place “within the context of Oman’s attention accorded to current regional and international issues and in reaffirmation of Oman’s status on the global arena, where it gained confidence due to its constant policy of advocating dialogue and peace.”