New Delhi: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Monday met Sultan and Prime Minister of Oman Haitham bin Tarik in Muscat and delivered a written message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi that dealt with various aspects of the ties between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
Doval met Sultan Haitham at the Al Baraka Palace and handed over Modi's message to him, MEA said.
"During his visit, NSA called on His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and delivered a personal message of greetings from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi," according to the statement.
Doval conveyed to the sultan greetings from the prime minister and wished for Oman's progress and prosperity. In return, Sultan Haitham conveyed his greetings to PM Modi and wished him for further progress and prosperity in India, PTI reported citing Oman News Agency (ONA).
According to ONA, the two officials further discussed a number of regional and international issues and underscored the emphasis of the leadership of the two countries on espousing policies of constructive dialogue and international cooperation.
According to MEA, Doval also held a meeting with Gen Sultan Mohammed Al Nu'amani, the minister of the royal office.
Separately, Doval also held talks with Oman's foreign minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi with a focus on possible bilateral cooperation in the spheres of technology, military matters and mining.
According to the MEA statement, "Doval also held talks with H.E. General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nomani, Minister of the Royal Office, and H.E. Mr. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman."
MEA said that the discussions enabled a high-level review of the multifaceted bilateral relations between India and Oman with a focus on strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation in key areas for economic and technological development, mutual security, and regional stability.
"The visit by NSA reflects the strong bilateral relationship between India and Oman, the importance of the Sultanate of Oman as a key partner for India in the Gulf and highlights India's commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Oman. The visit provided an opportunity for high-level engagements and further cemented the strong bonds of friendship between India and the Sultanate of Oman," the statement added.