India and Oman have reinforced their growing strategic defense partnership through a specialized military training initiative conducted by two Indian Mobile Training Teams (IMTT) for personnel of the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF) of Oman.

The training programs, led by officers from the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) alongside personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, focused primarily on operational coordination and joint logistics preparedness.

Highlighting the development in a post on X on Saturday, HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) stated:

"Strengthening India-Oman defence cooperation. Two Indian Mobile Training Teams (IMTT) comprising officers from HQ IDS and the three Services successfully conducted training for personnel of the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF), Oman."

The statement added that the initiative witnessed participation from around 110 officers representing various branches of Oman's armed forces and defense agencies.

It noted, "Around 110 officers from the Royal Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force of Oman and MoD agencies participated in operational and joint logistics training, reinforcing interoperability and the India-Oman Strategic Partnership."

The joint training comes amid active diplomatic engagements between the two nations.

Earlier, on May 18, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi to discuss developments related to the West Asia crisis.

Jaishankar, who was in Oslo at the time alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shared details of the discussion in an 'X' post, noting they also spoke about aspects of their bilateral relationship.

"Good to speak today with FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi of Oman. Discussed recent developments in West Asia as well as various aspects of our bilateral cooperation," Jaishankar said.

Regional maritime security remains a shared concern for both countries.

On May 14, India formally condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, calling the incident "unacceptable" and reiterating the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and civilian maritime activity amid ongoing regional conflicts.

In an official statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India deplores the continued targeting of commercial shipping and civilian mariners in regional waters.

"The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable, and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted," the statement read.

The Ministry confirmed that all Indian crew members aboard the vessel are safe following swift rescue efforts carried out by Omani authorities.

Source: ANI