Oman and India enjoy traditionally warm and friendly relations rooted in history and sustained people-to-people contact, said V Muraleedharan, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs.

Muscat: The contribution of Indians living in Oman towards the glorious march of their motherland and the Sultanate of Oman reflects a strong connect between the two nations, according to V Muraleedharan, the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs.

The remarks were made by Muraleedharan during a well-attended community reception, organised by the Indian Embassy in Oman, on Tuesday night.

“Indian diaspora is now a thriving feature of all major countries in the world. In Oman, the Indian diaspora, with its rich history stretching hundreds of years, is even more special. Indian diaspora in Oman is unique and reflects India’s diversity. They are held together by the ‘Indianness’ and a profound cultural and emotional attachment towards Mother India, he said.

The Indian Minister added: “It is a matter of pride that you [Indians in Oman] have continued to cherish and celebrate the Indian ethos, values and traditions so vibrantly while making such a great contribution to this country. You are our extended family, India’s soft power and an embodiment of our country’s great culture.

“You have emerged as human bridges of friendship between India and Oman. In addition to your active contribution to the society and economy of Oman, you also act as a catalyst of economic development of India.

“Your role as bridges, mediators, facilitators, lobby and advocacy groups for India’s soft power projection in Oman is well recognised. The Government of India and the Indian society have always valued and appreciated your contribution to enhancing India’s position, prestige and standing abroad.”

Speaking on India-Oman relations, he said the “two countries enjoy traditionally warm and friendly relations rooted in history and sustained people-to-people contact. The cordial relations over centuries could be attributed to the historical maritime trade linkages, the welcoming nature of the people on both sides and above all, the seminal contribution of the Indian expatriate community to Oman’s path to prosperity”.

Muraleedharan said, “Indian diaspora is the fulcrum around which our bilateral relationship evolved to reach the heights it has attained today.”

With India celebrating 75th Anniversary of its Independence as the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, he lauded the Indian Embassy in Oman for its efforts to celebrate the spirit of Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, with year-long activities, including a month-long Sewa Utsav.

He called upon the Indian entrepreneurs to be part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission ofAtma Nirbhar Bharat – a self-reliant India.

Muraleedharan said: “In the next 25 years, we have to make India self-reliant and this is not possible without your [Indian diaspora] contribution.”

Earlier, the Indian Ambassador to Oman, Amit Narang, welcomed the visiting minister at the reception which was attended by eminent Indian businessmen and representatives of social-cultural organisations.

The reception also witnessed performances of patriotic songs and dances by Indian children. However, what stole the heart of all was the beautiful rendition of popular Mahatma Gandhi Hindi bhajan, ‘Vaishnavjan to Tene kahiye Je” by popular Omani singer Haitham Rafi.