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India-Oman relationship poised to reach greater heights: Anil Wadhwa
Times of Oman
26 January 2009
MUSCAT -- India-Oman relationship is poised to reach greater heights, says Anil Wadhwa, ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, in an interview with Times of Oman on the occasion of Indian Republic Day.
With Indian PM's maiden visit to Oman last year, the Indo-Oman relations have developed into a very strong and cohesive one. What are the key factors, you feel, that are crucial to taking this relationship to greater heights?
The fact that we had two very high-level visits, i.e. that of His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, deputy prime minister for the Council of Ministers, to India in December 2007 and Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's maiden visit to Oman in November reflect the closeness of our relationship. Our civilisational relationship is based on great mutual trust and respect. We also share common views on most issues. India and Oman are emergent economies and hold lots of promise for mutually beneficial economic engagement. Because of historical people-to-people contacts, we share strong cultural bonds. These factors will drive the future of our relationship.
India and Oman signed an MoU during Dr Singh's visit to set up an India-Oman Joint Investment Fund. What progress has been made?
India-Oman Joint Investment Fund is very special because the fund is the first of its kind that India has set up with any country in the world, which reflects the importance that India attaches to its relationship with Oman. The fund, to be set up with an initial seed capital of $100 million, has also got a provision to raise the capital base to $1.5 billion. Follow-up discussions have moved swiftly and we expect the fund to be formally launched in March 2009. The fund will invest in sectors that not only yield higher returns, but are also vital to the two economies. It would focus on core infrastructure sectors, real estate etc. But more significantly, we envisage the fund to act as a catalyst to private sector investments from both countries.
Will the two countries focus more on strengthening economic and trade relations in 2009 to offset the effects of the global financial crisis?
Even in the face of the international financial crisis and amidst fears of a global meltdown, India's robust economic fundamentals have insulated the economy against damaging impacts of the international financial crisis. Besides, the government has announced massive public expenditure schemes and coordinated stimulus packages to arrest the liquidity crunch situation. We are hopeful that the Indian economy will continue to grow at 6-6.5 per cent during 2009 and will bounce back to a level of 9-10 per cent annual growth by 2010. Similarly, the fundamentals of the Omani economy are also strong and the government and the central bank have, in consonance, taken a number of measures to address the liquidity situation. The Omani government remains committed to continue the execution of the developmental projects. These are good signs. However, given the inter-connectedness of the global markets today, all countries have to work collectively to ensure that a recession does not loom large on the economic horizon. India and Oman would continue to work on furthering the already strong trade and investment relations in 2009.
How do you see the political relations between India and Oman evolving in the coming years?
India and Oman have historically enjoyed very warm and cordial relations. There is great mutual trust and we share common view on regional and international issues. Political relations are strengthened through frequent exchange of high-level visits. Both the countries also work very closely in regional and multilateral fora. We are highly appreciative of Oman's role in promoting peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.
What are the new avenues for economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries?
There are several areas where India and Oman can cooperate and work for mutual benefit. We recently had a session of the India-Oman Working Group in Muscat, which has identified priority areas for cooperation between the two countries. Some of the sectors identified for focused attention are agriculture, IT, education and training, manufacturing, earth sciences and R&D.
Apart from the financial crisis, India is recovering from the shocks of the terror attacks. Are there worries on the foreign investments front?
India has demonstrated exemplary resolve and resilience and come out ever stronger in the face of the dastardly and shameful terrorist attacks perpetrated on its soil. The government has initiated several measures to bolster internal security and is also determined to expose and bring to book the perpetrators of these shameful and heinous acts of crime against humanity. These terrorist attacks cannot deter India from marching ahead economically. It still retains its attractiveness as a business and investment destination. A few recently concluded events such as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the Partnership Summit and the Vibrant Gujarat Summit have proved that the multinational companies continue to see India as a safe and secure country to work and do business in.
Oman and India signed an MoU in the field of manpower to boost recruitment of Indian professionals in various sectors in Oman and to prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking. What role is Indian embassy playing to prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking?
Under the framework of the MoU on cooperation in manpower, the two countries shall take all measures to facilitate the recruitment of the Indian manpower in Oman and shall exchange visits between the officials in charge of manpower in the two countries for consultations in the area of job creation and generation of employment opportunities. The MoU would help in alleviating the hardship of the Indian nationals who are employed as semi-skilled/unskilled labour and housemaids.
Secondly, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is implementing a project for transforming the emigration process through e-Governance. This will lead to greater convenience, better protection and easy delivery of welfare services to the emigrants. The other benefits would include greater levels of efficiency, transparency, accountability and less corruption. The project involves full automation of emigration offices and inter-linking between immigration counters and Indian missions. Once the project is implemented, which will happen sooner rather than later, the embassy can keep track of the Indians coming into Oman. The Indian government is also promoting awareness in the country about the various aspects that prospective emigrants need to know and is trying to enforce recruitment through certified recruitment agencies only. These measures will go a long way in addressing the problem.
We have been hearing that many companies in Oman are probably considering laying off staff; some are rumoured to have already started doing so. Does it worry you that it will affect the Indian workforce here?
As stated earlier, the Omani government has taken several measures to weather the negative impacts of the international financial crisis. Hopefully, the oil prices will see some correction in the near future. The establishment of $390 million 'Market Stabilisation Fund' and the steps taken by Central Bank of Oman to address the liquidity situation in the economy will begin to show results sooner rather than later. The Omani government has also announced that the developmental projects will not be affected by the crisis. So, I believe that even if we might have a difficult time in the short-run, the situation will improve and stabilise soon and the Indian workforce will not be adversely affected.
On this historic occasion of the Republic Day would you like to convey any message to the Indian community?
On the occasion of the 60th Republic Day of India, I extend my hearty congratulations to all Indians and Persons of Indian Origin living in Oman. I also take this opportunity to wish good health and prosperity to our Omani brothers and sisters for the love and warmth that they have shown towards the Indians resident in Oman. I wish to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and his government for their benevolence which provides a homely ambiance to the 5,50,000-strong Indian expatriate community living in the Sultanate. I express my heartfelt wishes to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for a long, healthy and prosperous life and greater glory in the years to come. I would urge my fellow citizens in Oman to continue to work with sincerity and dedication for the development of the Sultanate and for their own well being and prosperity.
As the ambassador of India what gives you satisfaction? How would you describe the first phase of your assignment in Oman?
My biggest satisfaction is that through our sustained efforts, we have succeeded in convincing the corporate community in India to desist from hyphenating Oman to relatively larger economies in the Gulf like the UAE and Saudi Arabia in their investment vision and to look at Oman independently on the basis of the large opportunities that it has to offer. This is reflected in the large number of trade and investment delegations that we have received from India in the past one-and-a-half years. Bilateral relations have been progressing well on all fronts. We had a highly successful state visit by the prime minister of India to Oman in November 2008. There were also several other ministerial/high-level visits from both sides. There are a number of similar visits, which are going to take place this year. We have prioritised a number of areas of cooperation and are working on them. So when I look back on the last one and a half years of my mission in Muscat, I feel contented at the achievements that we have made so far. I have made a lot of friends in the Indian community as well as among the Omanis and other nationals. Oman is richly endowed with natural beauty and has been very hospitable. So, I have enjoyed my stint of one and a half years so far in Muscat a lot and hope that the rest of my mission in this beautiful country would be equally enjoyable and we can take the India-Oman relationship to much greater heights.
By Mrudu Naik
© Times of Oman 2009
India-Oman relationship poised to reach greater heights: Anil Wadhwa
Times of Oman
26 January 2009
MUSCAT -- India-Oman relationship is poised to reach greater heights, says Anil Wadhwa, ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, in an interview with Times of Oman on the occasion of Indian Republic Day.
With Indian PM's maiden visit to Oman last year, the Indo-Oman relations have developed into a very strong and cohesive one. What are the key factors, you feel, that are crucial to taking this relationship to greater heights?
The fact that we had two very high-level visits, i.e. that of His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, deputy prime minister for the Council of Ministers, to India in December 2007 and Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's maiden visit to Oman in November reflect the closeness of our relationship. Our civilisational relationship is based on great mutual trust and respect. We also share common views on most issues. India and Oman are emergent economies and hold lots of promise for mutually beneficial economic engagement. Because of historical people-to-people contacts, we share strong cultural bonds. These factors will drive the future of our relationship.
India and Oman signed an MoU during Dr Singh's visit to set up an India-Oman Joint Investment Fund. What progress has been made?
India-Oman Joint Investment Fund is very special because the fund is the first of its kind that India has set up with any country in the world, which reflects the importance that India attaches to its relationship with Oman. The fund, to be set up with an initial seed capital of $100 million, has also got a provision to raise the capital base to $1.5 billion. Follow-up discussions have moved swiftly and we expect the fund to be formally launched in March 2009. The fund will invest in sectors that not only yield higher returns, but are also vital to the two economies. It would focus on core infrastructure sectors, real estate etc. But more significantly, we envisage the fund to act as a catalyst to private sector investments from both countries.
Will the two countries focus more on strengthening economic and trade relations in 2009 to offset the effects of the global financial crisis?
Even in the face of the international financial crisis and amidst fears of a global meltdown, India's robust economic fundamentals have insulated the economy against damaging impacts of the international financial crisis. Besides, the government has announced massive public expenditure schemes and coordinated stimulus packages to arrest the liquidity crunch situation. We are hopeful that the Indian economy will continue to grow at 6-6.5 per cent during 2009 and will bounce back to a level of 9-10 per cent annual growth by 2010. Similarly, the fundamentals of the Omani economy are also strong and the government and the central bank have, in consonance, taken a number of measures to address the liquidity situation. The Omani government remains committed to continue the execution of the developmental projects. These are good signs. However, given the inter-connectedness of the global markets today, all countries have to work collectively to ensure that a recession does not loom large on the economic horizon. India and Oman would continue to work on furthering the already strong trade and investment relations in 2009.
How do you see the political relations between India and Oman evolving in the coming years?
India and Oman have historically enjoyed very warm and cordial relations. There is great mutual trust and we share common view on regional and international issues. Political relations are strengthened through frequent exchange of high-level visits. Both the countries also work very closely in regional and multilateral fora. We are highly appreciative of Oman's role in promoting peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.
What are the new avenues for economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries?
There are several areas where India and Oman can cooperate and work for mutual benefit. We recently had a session of the India-Oman Working Group in Muscat, which has identified priority areas for cooperation between the two countries. Some of the sectors identified for focused attention are agriculture, IT, education and training, manufacturing, earth sciences and R&D.
Apart from the financial crisis, India is recovering from the shocks of the terror attacks. Are there worries on the foreign investments front?
India has demonstrated exemplary resolve and resilience and come out ever stronger in the face of the dastardly and shameful terrorist attacks perpetrated on its soil. The government has initiated several measures to bolster internal security and is also determined to expose and bring to book the perpetrators of these shameful and heinous acts of crime against humanity. These terrorist attacks cannot deter India from marching ahead economically. It still retains its attractiveness as a business and investment destination. A few recently concluded events such as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the Partnership Summit and the Vibrant Gujarat Summit have proved that the multinational companies continue to see India as a safe and secure country to work and do business in.
Oman and India signed an MoU in the field of manpower to boost recruitment of Indian professionals in various sectors in Oman and to prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking. What role is Indian embassy playing to prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking?
Under the framework of the MoU on cooperation in manpower, the two countries shall take all measures to facilitate the recruitment of the Indian manpower in Oman and shall exchange visits between the officials in charge of manpower in the two countries for consultations in the area of job creation and generation of employment opportunities. The MoU would help in alleviating the hardship of the Indian nationals who are employed as semi-skilled/unskilled labour and housemaids.
Secondly, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is implementing a project for transforming the emigration process through e-Governance. This will lead to greater convenience, better protection and easy delivery of welfare services to the emigrants. The other benefits would include greater levels of efficiency, transparency, accountability and less corruption. The project involves full automation of emigration offices and inter-linking between immigration counters and Indian missions. Once the project is implemented, which will happen sooner rather than later, the embassy can keep track of the Indians coming into Oman. The Indian government is also promoting awareness in the country about the various aspects that prospective emigrants need to know and is trying to enforce recruitment through certified recruitment agencies only. These measures will go a long way in addressing the problem.
We have been hearing that many companies in Oman are probably considering laying off staff; some are rumoured to have already started doing so. Does it worry you that it will affect the Indian workforce here?
As stated earlier, the Omani government has taken several measures to weather the negative impacts of the international financial crisis. Hopefully, the oil prices will see some correction in the near future. The establishment of $390 million 'Market Stabilisation Fund' and the steps taken by Central Bank of Oman to address the liquidity situation in the economy will begin to show results sooner rather than later. The Omani government has also announced that the developmental projects will not be affected by the crisis. So, I believe that even if we might have a difficult time in the short-run, the situation will improve and stabilise soon and the Indian workforce will not be adversely affected.
On this historic occasion of the Republic Day would you like to convey any message to the Indian community?
On the occasion of the 60th Republic Day of India, I extend my hearty congratulations to all Indians and Persons of Indian Origin living in Oman. I also take this opportunity to wish good health and prosperity to our Omani brothers and sisters for the love and warmth that they have shown towards the Indians resident in Oman. I wish to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and his government for their benevolence which provides a homely ambiance to the 5,50,000-strong Indian expatriate community living in the Sultanate. I express my heartfelt wishes to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for a long, healthy and prosperous life and greater glory in the years to come. I would urge my fellow citizens in Oman to continue to work with sincerity and dedication for the development of the Sultanate and for their own well being and prosperity.
As the ambassador of India what gives you satisfaction? How would you describe the first phase of your assignment in Oman?
My biggest satisfaction is that through our sustained efforts, we have succeeded in convincing the corporate community in India to desist from hyphenating Oman to relatively larger economies in the Gulf like the UAE and Saudi Arabia in their investment vision and to look at Oman independently on the basis of the large opportunities that it has to offer. This is reflected in the large number of trade and investment delegations that we have received from India in the past one-and-a-half years. Bilateral relations have been progressing well on all fronts. We had a highly successful state visit by the prime minister of India to Oman in November 2008. There were also several other ministerial/high-level visits from both sides. There are a number of similar visits, which are going to take place this year. We have prioritised a number of areas of cooperation and are working on them. So when I look back on the last one and a half years of my mission in Muscat, I feel contented at the achievements that we have made so far. I have made a lot of friends in the Indian community as well as among the Omanis and other nationals. Oman is richly endowed with natural beauty and has been very hospitable. So, I have enjoyed my stint of one and a half years so far in Muscat a lot and hope that the rest of my mission in this beautiful country would be equally enjoyable and we can take the India-Oman relationship to much greater heights.
By Mrudu Naik
© Times of Oman 2009
India-Oman relationship poised to reach greater heights: Anil Wadhwa
