India and Oman strengthened their defence ties through the 12th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting held in Muscat on Wednesday.
Co-chaired by Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Oman’s Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi, the meeting underscored the robust defence collaboration between the two nations.
Acknowledging the existing defence cooperation, both sides commended each other and explored new avenues for collaboration. The discussions spanned various areas, including training, joint exercises, information sharing, oceanography, shipbuilding, and maintenance, with the objective of bolstering mutual trust and interoperability between the armed forces of India and Oman. The officials also exchanged views on regional and global issues of common interest, emphasizing the need for effective initiatives to strengthen bilateral defence engagements.
The culmination of the talks resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Defence Secretary and Secretary General. Aligned with the India-Oman Joint Vision Document titled ‘A Partnership for the Future,’ adopted in December 2023, the MoU focuses on the procurement of defence material and equipment, paving the way for a new phase of defence collaboration.
During his two-day visit to Oman, Aramane engaged in bilateral talks, showcasing India’s domestic defence industry’s capacity and capability. He expressed eagerness for a fruitful partnership with the armed forces of Oman, while Oman conveyed confidence in the capabilities of the Indian defence industry.
In an effort to highlight India’s defence industrial prowess, the Aramane extended an invitation to the Secretary General and his delegation to visit India, with a special emphasis on witnessing capabilities in the aerospace and maritime sectors.