Muscat, June 26: India’s newly appointed Ambassador, Prashant Pise, presented his credentials to Oman’s Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, on Friday. The ceremony took place at the General Diwan of the Foreign Ministry, where the Minister welcomed Pise and wished him success in his new role. He expressed hope that the relationship between India and Oman would strengthen during Pise’s tenure.
The Omani Foreign Ministry shared the event on the social media platform ‘X’, stating, “Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi received the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of India, Prashant Pise, at the General Diwan of the Foreign Ministry. The Minister welcomed him and wished him a successful term, expressing hopes for further progress and prosperity in the relations between the two friendly nations.”
Attending the event were several officials, including Ambassador Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashil Al Muscari, head of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Regional Neighbors Department, and Ambassador Najib bin Yahya Al Balushi, head of the Protocol Department.
Prashant Pise assumed his role as India’s Ambassador to Oman on June 14. Prior to this, he served as Additional Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, overseeing immigration policy and migration-related issues.
Following his appointment, Pise paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Indian Embassy in Muscat. The embassy noted on ‘X’, “Remembering the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, is always a symbol of truth, non-violence, and moral courage.”
Earlier in March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman. During their conversation, Modi reiterated India’s condemnation of violations of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both leaders agreed on the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions and restore peace and stability in the region.
Modi also appreciated Oman’s assistance in the safe return of thousands, including Indian citizens.
After the phone call, PM Modi posted on the social media platform ‘X’, “Had a good conversation with my brother Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, and I extended my Eid greetings to the people of Oman. We agreed that dialogue and diplomacy are crucial for de-escalation and restoring peace.”
He added, “I reiterated India’s condemnation of violations of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and appreciated Oman’s efforts in the safe return of thousands, including Indian citizens. India and Oman advocate for safe and uninterrupted maritime passage in the Strait of Hormuz.”
This conversation took place amid rising tensions in West Asia, following attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on February 28, which resulted in the deaths of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials. In retaliation, Iran targeted U.S. and Israeli positions, regional capitals, and allied forces with drones and missiles.
India and Oman share a long-standing and robust relationship, both geographically and culturally. Diplomatic ties were established in 1955, and in 2008, they were elevated to a strategic partnership. Oman is a key strategic partner for India and is considered an important ally in forums such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Leave a Comment