Prime Minister Narendra Modi was met with an outpouring of patriotic enthusiasm by the Indian diaspora in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday. The vibrant community gathered in large numbers outside his hotel, waving the Indian tricolor and raising chants of 'Vande Mataram' to welcome the leader.
A Heartwarming Welcome from the Diaspora
The streets near the Prime Minister's hotel in the Omani capital resonated with the spirit of India. Members of the Indian community, representing various states and professions, turned up to catch a glimpse of PM Modi. The Prime Minister took time to warmly interact with the gathered crowd, acknowledging their support and affection. He also enjoyed cultural performances specially organized by the diaspora to honor his visit, showcasing the rich tapestry of Indian arts.
Ceremonial Start and Strategic Significance
Earlier upon his arrival at the Muscat airport, Prime Minister Modi was formally received by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented to the visiting dignitary, underscoring the respect accorded to him and to India.
This visit holds special historical importance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of India-Oman diplomatic relations. It also marks PM Modi's second official trip to the Sultanate. In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister described Oman as a "land of enduring friendship and deep historical links with India." He expressed confidence that the visit would significantly bolster bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
Strengthening a Time-Tested Partnership
The stop in Muscat represents the final leg of Prime Minister Modi's three-nation tour. The timing of the visit, aligned with the platinum anniversary of diplomatic ties, is seen as a strategic move to reinforce the growing political and strategic engagement between New Delhi and Muscat. The warm reception by both the Omani leadership and the large Indian community highlights the strong people-to-people bonds that form the bedrock of this relationship.
The government aims to leverage this visit to enhance collaboration in areas like defense, trade, energy security, and regional stability. The enduring partnership is viewed as a key pillar of India's extended neighborhood policy in the Gulf region.
