Saturday 31 / January / 2026
New Delhi: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the second session of the Ministerial Meeting of the Arab-Indian Cooperation Forum, in New Delhi on Saturday.
In his address, Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Head of the Sultanate of Oman’s delegation, emphasised the depth of the historical relations linking the Arab world and the Republic of India. He noted that these relations are founded on a shared civilisational heritage and long-standing human and cultural ties, which over centuries have contributed to strengthening mutual understanding, promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence, and establishing a partnership based on constructive cooperation and respect for the sovereignty and independence of states.
He highlighted the strategic importance the Sultanate of Oman attaches to Arab-Indian cooperation, affirming its support for cooperation programmes in vital and promising fields, particularly trade and investment, which contribute to diversifying economic partnerships and opening wider horizons for the private sector.
He also underscored cooperation in the fields of health, pharmaceutical industries, environmental protection, and addressing cross-border challenges, including combating terrorism, extremism and hate speech.
He pointed out that the resources and expertise of Arab countries, combined with India’s advanced industrial and technological capabilities, offer broad opportunities to enhance cooperation in energy security, agriculture, and food security, supporting the sustainability of supply chains in these critical sectors.
The Foreign Minister stressed the importance of coordination and cooperation in the area of maritime security, ensuring the freedom of international trade and the safety of sea lanes, in a manner that serves regional and global economies and safeguards shared interests.
He also underlined the importance of exchanging views on regional and international developments, stressing the need to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause, guaranteeing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the two-state solution. This includes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and securing its full membership in the United Nations.
He affirmed the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to supporting partnerships based on mutual respect and common interests, and to advancing Arab-Indian relations toward a comprehensive partnership that meets the aspirations of peoples and responds to future challenges.
He also emphasised the importance of reforming the United Nations system to enhance its effectiveness, fairness, and ability to address growing international challenges.
