India's Ambassador Prashant Pise Presents Credentials to Oman's Foreign Minister

India's Ambassador Prashant Pise presents credentials to Oman's Foreign Minister

Muscat, June 26

Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi wished him success in carrying out his duties and for the bilateral ties to achieve further progress.

"His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received this morning a copy of the credentials of His Excellency Prashant Pise, Ambassador of the Republic of India appointed to the Sultanate of Oman, at the Ministry's General Diwan. His Excellency the Minister welcomed His Excellency the Ambassador, expressing his wishes for his success in carrying out his duties, and for the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries to achieve further progress and prosperity," Oman's Foreign Ministry posted on X.

"The occasion was attended by His Excellency Ambassador Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashil Al Muskyri, Head of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Regional Neighbourhood Department, His Excellency Ambassador Naguib bin Yahya Al Balushi, Head of the Protocol Department, and a number of officials from both sides," it added.

Prashant Pise assumed charge as India's Ambassador to Oman on June 14. Prior to his arrival in Muscat, he served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs looking after emigration policy of the Government of India, migration and mobility related matters.

"Upon formally assuming charge as Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, Amb Prashant Pise paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Embassy of India in Muscat. Remembering the Father of the Nation is a timeless symbol of truth, non-violence and moral courage," Indian Embassy in Oman wrote on X.

Earlier in March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Oman's ruler Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and reiterated India's condemnation of the recent violation of Oman's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two leaders agreed on the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability.

PM Modi also expressed appreciation for Oman's efforts to facilitate the safe return of thousands of people, including Indian nationals.

"Had a productive conversation with my brother Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and conveyed advance Eid greetings to the people of Oman. We agreed on the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability," PM Modi posted on X after the call.

"Reiterated India's condemnation of the violation of Oman's sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated Oman's efforts to facilitate the safe return of thousands of people, including Indian nationals. India and Oman stand for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," he added.

The conversation between both leaders took place during the conflict in West Asia that erupted after the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 which killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials. In response, Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting the US and Israeli facilities, regional capitals and allied forces in West Asia.

India and Oman are linked by geography, history, and culture and share warm and cordial relations. Diplomatic ties between the two nations were established in 1955 and the relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2008. Oman is a strategic partner of India and an important interlocutor at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League, and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) fora.

— IANS