The Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman held the third edition of the Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) in New Delhi, reaffirming their commitment to deepen defence cooperation and strategic engagement. The discussions, held from October 22 to 23, focused on expanding joint military exercises, advancing expert exchanges in specialized fields, and boosting training partnerships under the Defence Cooperation Plan 2026.
In an official post on X, the Indian Army highlighted the importance of the dialogue, stating, “Indian Army strengthens defence cooperation with the Royal Army of Oman. The talks explored new avenues of collaboration in capability development, professional military education, and enhanced interoperability — a major step forward in advancing military diplomacy and bilateral ties.”
The deliberations underscored the growing importance of India-Oman defence relations, with both sides agreeing to pursue deeper engagement in areas such as counterterrorism, strategic logistics, and technology-driven training initiatives.
Oman holds a unique position as India’s closest defence ally in the Gulf region and serves as a vital pillar in New Delhi’s maritime security and West Asia outreach. Notably, Oman is the first Gulf nation with which India conducts joint military exercises involving all three services — the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The two countries have consistently worked together to maintain stability and safety across the Indian Ocean Region.
Earlier this year, in April, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (ROPCG) convened the sixth High-Level Meeting in Muscat. The Indian delegation, led by Director General S. Paramesh, engaged with ROPCG Commander Colonel Abdul Aziz Al Jabari to review ongoing cooperation in maritime security and search-and-rescue operations, according to the Indian Embassy in Oman.
Oman continues to be one of India’s most trusted strategic partners, playing a key role as a dialogue partner in regional groupings such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Bound by shared geography, historical ties, and cultural connections, the India-Oman partnership remains anchored in mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision for regional peace and prosperity.
