India, Oman discuss anti-piracy operations, cooperation in maritime security

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had fruitful discussions with her Oman counterpart here on anti-piracy operations, cooperation in maritime security and other issues relating to the Indian Ocean where the two nations are maritime neighbours.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said the External Affairs Minister informed the Omani leadership that India will provide multiplicity of opportunities for Oman to invest.

"There was a discussion on specific investment opportunities including in the sector of storage of agricultural products as well as on medical treatment. Also they discussed anti-piracy operations, cooperation in maritime security and other issues relating to the Indian Ocean where Oman and India are maritime neighbours," Akbaruddin told ANI here.

"We hope that this visit will set in motion a deeper engagement between Oman and India," he added.

The External Affairs Minister, who is presently on a two-day visit to Oman, addressing the Indian diaspora in Muscat yesterday, said the contribution of hard working Indians in lifting Oman's economy could not be neglected.

"By providing highly skilled services at a competitive cost, our community's role has become indispensible for the Omani economy. Your sustained remittances over the years have contributed to our foreign exchange reserves and are a valuable livelihood source for millions of dependents in India. May I read that India is the recipient of the largest global remittances sent by the expatriate populations anywhere in the world in the Gulf region, is the largest source of remittances for us," Swaraj said.