NEW DELHI: India and Oman have further solidified their defence partnership by conducting a specialised joint military training programme for Omani armed forces personnel. The initiative was led by two Indian Mobile Training Teams (IMTT), comprising officers from the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This training, carried out amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, focused on enhancing operational coordination and joint logistics preparedness between the two nations.
In an official statement shared on X, HQ IDS highlighted the significance of the training, stating, “Strengthening India–Oman defence cooperation. Two Indian Mobile Training Teams (#IMTT) comprising officers from #HQIDS and the three Services successfully conducted training for personnel of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), Oman.” The programme brought together around 110 Omani officers, including personnel from the Royal Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force of Oman, and officials from Oman’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) agencies. The training aimed to improve interoperability and reinforce the India-Oman Strategic Partnership, particularly in light of evolving regional security challenges.
The development follows a recent telephonic conversation between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi on May 18. During the call, the two leaders discussed recent developments in the West Asia crisis and reviewed bilateral cooperation between India and Oman. Jaishankar took to X to share details of the discussion, saying, “Good to speak today with FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi of Oman. Discussed recent developments in West Asia as well as various aspects of our bilateral cooperation.”
The joint military training initiative comes at a critical time, as tensions in West Asia continue to escalate. Earlier this month, India strongly condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman. The incident occurred amid escalating regional tensions, prompting India to reiterate the importance of safeguarding commercial shipping and civilian mariners in regional waters. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the attack “unacceptable” and emphasised the need to protect maritime security. “The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable, and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted,” Jaiswal stated.
The MEA confirmed that all Indian crew members aboard the vessel were safe following rescue efforts carried out by Omani authorities. This underscores the close coordination and mutual support between India and Oman in ensuring maritime security in the region.
The joint training programmes and high-level diplomatic exchanges reflect the deepening strategic ties between India and Oman. Both nations have consistently worked towards enhancing defence cooperation, interoperability, and regional stability. The latest initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in addressing the evolving security challenges in West Asia, fostering stronger military-to-military relations and ensuring peace and stability in the region.
