New Delhi is reinvigorating ties with Oman, where it has secured access to the key port of Duqm for military use and logistical support, in order to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean region and counter Chinese influence.

The government is rolling out the red carpet for Oman's top defense official, Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi, who will be in India on an official visit from January 30 to February 4. As the Minister's charge is held by Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Shihab, Al Zaabi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence of the Sultanate of Oman, is the executive head of the Omani defense establishment. Zaabi will be in New Delhi with Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar to co-chair the Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMMC). The Joint Military Commission (JMCC), the highest forum of engagement between India and Oman in the field of defence, evaluates and provides guidance to the overall framework of defence exchanges between the two countries. It is expected to meet annually, but it was unable to do so after the 9th JMCC meeting in Oman in 2018. The 10th JMCC, which comes after a three-year hiatus, is expected to comprehensively evaluate ongoing defence exchanges and provide a roadmap for further strengthening defence ties in the coming years.As part of its maritime strategy to counter Chinese influence and activities in the region, India secured access to Duqm. This was one of the key takeaways from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's February 2018 visit to Oman. The access is being operationalized through a pact, which is currently being worked on.

On the sidelines of the JMCC, Zaabi is expected to meet with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and will be briefed on the Indian defence manufacturing industry for potential procurement and joint production.
His visit will be followed by a series of defence engagements in February, including visits to India by the Chief of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) and the Chief of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), staff talks between the Indian Navy and the CRNO, and a bilateral Air Force exercise in Jodhpur. Oman is the only country in the Gulf region with which the Indian armed forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and staff talks. Oman also provides critical operational support to Indian naval deployments in the Arabian Sea engaged in anti-piracy operations.