The Historic India Connection: Sultan Qaboos of Oman's Educational Journey Under Future Indian President

The former Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said Al Said, maintained a noteworthy connection with India throughout his life.

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Oman on December 17-18 following an invitation from Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This marks his second trip to the country since his previous visit in February 2018 and coincides with the 70th anniversary celebration of diplomatic ties between India and Oman. The Prime Minister's two-day itinerary includes meetings with the Sultan, discussions with business leaders, an address to the Indian community, and the signing of multiple bilateral agreements.

The late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said shared a meaningful historical connection with India. During his youth, he received education at a private institution in Pune, where Shankar Dayal Sharma, who later became India's ninth President, was among his instructors.

Sultan Qaboos's father, who himself studied at Mayo College in Ajmer, chose India as part of his son's educational journey. The teacher-student relationship that developed between Qaboos and Sharma later influenced diplomatic relations between India and Oman.

When Sharma visited Oman in 1996 as India's President, Sultan Qaboos arranged an elaborate reception for him. In a notable break from diplomatic protocol, the Sultan personally drove Sharma during this official visit.

India consistently regarded Sultan Qaboos as a "true friend" to the nation.

Following Sultan Qaboos's passing in 2020, PM Modi expressed his condolences, stating on X: "I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. He was a visionary leader and statesman who transformed Oman into a modern and prosperous nation. I will always cherish the warmth and affection I received from him. May his soul rest in peace."

Currently, India maintains a significant presence in Oman. According to the National Centre for Statistics (NCSI), approximately 6.2 lakh Indians reside in Oman, constituting the largest expatriate community in the Sultanate.