MUSCAT: The 76th Independence Day of India and the 75th Anniversary of India’s independence was marked by a unique twin-deck Reception onboard Indian naval ships Chennai and Kochi at Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat on Monday.
The reception was attended by Shaikh Khalifa al Harthy, Under-Secretary for Diplomatic Affairs in the Foreign Ministry; Commodore Tariq bin Issa al Raisi, Acting Commander Royal Navy of Oman; members of the royal family, senior government dignitaries; ambassadors; military attaches; and distinguished members of the Omani & Indian communities.
The two indigenously built Indian Naval Ships, Chennai and Kochi have anchored in Muscat on a special 4-day friendly visit. It is part of Indian Navy’s initiative of deploying a naval vessel in each of the 6 continents for raising of the national flag on the occasion of 75 years of India’s independence, being celebrated worldwide as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The deployment of two of Indian Navy’s latest and indigenously built modern ships in Muscat with Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet of the Indian Navy embarked, is testimony to the special and unique bonds of friendship between the two countries and the special place for Oman in India’s maritime and security outlook.
Speaking at the Reception, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, Amit Narang extended warm greetings to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the people of Oman and lauded the special and privileged India-Oman relationship as a model of mutual trust and abiding friendship. He reiterated that India will be a strong partner in realising His Majesty’s ‘Oman Vision 2040’.
Ambassador highlighted India’s proud journey as an independent nation during the past 75 years and notable achievements in various sectors – from economic growth and social inclusion, defence, sports, education and science to information & space technology and digital inclusion among others.
Students of Indian Schools in Muscat also joined hands to celebrate this joyous occasion by a glittering cultural event held at the Indian School, Bausher. Children showcased the best of Indian culture through mesmerising cultural performances recalling India’s golden past and glorious future.
