BACKGROUND
India and Oman have shared a deep-rooted diplomatic relationship since 1955 and expanded their strategic partnership, particularly after 2008. The two nations have strengthened bonds in military security, maritime cooperation, technology, and joint defence exercises. Oman remains India’s oldest defence partner, with MoUs focusing on military protocol and defence cooperation. Both countries engage in joint military drills with other Gulf states, enhancing operational readiness, especially in the Western Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which includes critical shipping lanes like the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman.
Oman's strategic position near the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is vital to global maritime security as the growing presence of Chinese warships in Omani ports for logistics during anti-piracy missions posits challenges to India's regional influence. This partnership aligns with India's 'Think West' policy, bolstering regional stability and addressing security concerns arising from China's increasing demand for oil and natural gas. The potential establishment of a Chinese naval base in Oman further intensifies the geopolitical rivalry, and thus, India and Oman have countered these challenges through increased defence cooperation, including the procurement of military equipment, joint exercises like "Al Najah," and refined intelligence sharing. These efforts focus on maintaining regional stability by addressing threats like terrorism and maritime security challenges, such as Houthi militancy targeting vessels in the Red Sea region.
OBJECTIVES
"Al Najah 5" joint military exercise, which took place from the 13thto 26th September 2024, exemplifies their growing defence partnership. The exercise involves 60 personnel from both armies, centring on counter-terrorism, tactical drills, and enhancing joint operational capabilities. Modern warfare themes, including cyber warfare, drone strikes, and AI, are also addressed, ensuring both nations stay prepared for emerging threats. The combat drills emphasise coordination in high-pressure situations, urban warfare, and hostage rescues, followed by replenishing critical ammunition in combat zones. Additionally, live-fire drill highlights a range of tactical scenarios and joint peacekeeping as per the UN mandates.
By refining desert warfare tactics and geospatial strategies followed by adaption to modern threats like drone proliferation- India and Oman’s defence collaboration strengthens their position in the geopolitically sensitive IOR, balancing external influences, especially from China and Russia.
STRATEGIC SECURITY RELEVANCE
India and Oman share a common bone of contention, specifically in the Indian Ocean region, where terrorism, maritime threats, and regional instability act as significant threats. The 9/11 attacks and subsequent involvement of American forces in the region altered the balance of power, while incidents like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks exposed vulnerabilities in maritime security. India’s large navy plays a crucial role in securing sea lines of communication, while Oman parallelly has intensified maritime cooperation in response. India-Oman nations collaborate through joint military exercises, defence supplies, intelligence sharing, and military training, fostering a strategic partnership aimed at ensuring peace and stability. There are collective security efforts focused on pre-emptive defence strategies, particularly in volatile regions like Yemen and Syria. Military diplomacy and joint operations, such as desert warfare exercises and counter-terrorism drills, enhance operational readiness and regional security. Al Najah ‘s efforts also counter growing Chinese influence in the region in future, with both nations prioritising intelligence-sharing and surveillance to mitigate emerging threats.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE BILATERAL
Regular Joint Exercises and Expanded Scope:
Future military exercises should broaden in scope, incorporating naval and air force units to ensure multi-dimensional preparedness. Such exercises should also simulate real-time responses to complex scenarios, including piracy, terrorism, and maritime blockades, reinforcing collective security.
Institutionalised Intelligence Sharing and Counterterrorism Mechanisms:
India-Oman should refine intelligence sharing agreements to streamline the flow of information on terrorism, extremism, and regional threats. This agreement could include setting up a joint counterterrorism task force, enhancing real-time coordination and response capabilities.
Joint Development of Counter-Drone and Anti-Missile Defence System:
As drone warfare becomes increasingly relevant, both countries should collaborate on developing counter-drone mechanisms, and improving missile defence capabilities to protect critical infrastructure and military installations.
Defense Education and Capacity Building:
Expanding defence educational exchanges will help build human capital and leadership within the military institutions of both nations. Defence universities could provide training for Indian-Omani officers, ensuring mutual knowledge sharing and cooperation