India and Oman share a deep and enduring cultural relationship rooted in shared history of people-to-people exchanges and sustained by the presence of a large and vibrant Indian community in the Sultanate. These civilisational links continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
A significant symbol of this close bond was the conferment of the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2019 on the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, announced in March 2021. The honour was widely seen as a gesture of India’s deep appreciation for Sultan Qaboos’ role in fostering peace, tolerance and goodwill, further cementing the warmth in bilateral relations.
Highlighting the historical depth of the Indian diaspora in Oman, the Indian Embassy in Muscat, in collaboration with the National Archives of India (NAI), undertook a pioneering digitisation and oral history initiative titled “The Oman Collection – Archival Heritage of the Indian Community in Oman” in May 2024. The project led to the digitisation of over 7,000 historical records belonging to 32 Indian diaspora families that have lived in Oman for more than two centuries. These rare documents – ranging from personal diaries and trade invoices to passports and correspondence – date back to 1838 and the early 20th century and are preserved in multiple languages including English, Arabic, Gujarati and Hindi.
Complementing this archival effort, the Embassy also organised the landmark ‘Mandvi to Muscat’ lecture series, an eight-month-long initiative held between October 2023 and May 2024. Inaugurated by then Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan, the series sought to revive awareness of the historical journey and contributions of the Indian community in Oman. The lectures featured eminent historians, academics and anthropologists from Oman, India, the United States and the UAE, offering nuanced perspectives on the long-standing India-Oman connection.
Oman today hosts a sizeable Indian community of approximately 6.76 lakh people, according to official Omani data as of August 2025. A majority of Indian nationals in Oman are employed across key sectors such as healthcare, engineering, education, finance, management and services, playing a vital role in the country’s development. The contribution of the Indian expatriate community has been repeatedly acknowledged by the Omani leadership. The community is also supported by 22 Indian schools, catering to the educational needs of over 48,000 students.
Indian social and cultural life in Oman is organised through well-established Indian Social Clubs in Muscat, Salalah, Sohar and Sur. These clubs, along with their linguistic and cultural wings, serve as important platforms for preserving Indian traditions while promoting cultural harmony.
Reflecting Oman’s inclusive social fabric, religious institutions of the Indian community – including Hindu temples, churches and Gurudwaras – operate with the support of local authorities. The Indian Embassy works closely with Omani institutions to ensure the welfare and well-being of Indian nationals in the country.
The enduring contributions of Indians and persons of Indian origin in Oman have also been formally recognised by India through the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, bestowed on distinguished members of the community over the years. These honours underscore the crucial role played by the Indian diaspora in strengthening India–Oman ties.
Together, cultural cooperation and the vibrant Indian community continue to serve as a strong foundation for the India-Oman partnership, reinforcing bonds of friendship that span centuries and look confidently toward the future.
