Omani-Indian Economic Ties During 19th And 20th Century

This study aims at highlighting the Omani-Indian economic relations during nineteenth and twentieth century, showing the depth of civilizational intercommunication between the two peoples. Omani communication with the Indian Sub-continent dates back to the times when Omanis started navigation activities which made them acquire high reputation in all Indian sea ports as well as the high seas of China and East Africa. The importance of this paper derives from its documentation and (of the) development of the Omani-Indian political and commercial relations since India represents an important commercial partner for Oman as well as a strategic dimension of the joint economic and investment interests of the two countries. Such close relations between the two countries were strengthened by the advent of Islam as Omanis contributed to the spread of Islam in India. Peace and security have always characterized the relations between the two countries. In recent history these relations have been solidified and strengthened as India and the Gulf countries fell under the European domination which made the two regions share a lot in common and face the same British policies which facilitated the Omani-Indian communication and the smooth flow of trade and human movement between the two countries. The paper comes in two themes: one deals with the political relations since the mid-18th century, when special commercial, military and political cooperation marked the relations between the princes of the western Indian coasts and Imam Ahmed Bin Said Al-Bu Saidi, the founder of Al-Bu Said state. The second theme focuses on the commercial and investment exchange between the two countries, showing the kinds of goods, commodities, and products exchanges as well as the nature of investment during the Omani Renaissance and the contribution of the Indian experience and expertise to the Omani development in the economic and construction sectors, detailing economic agreements between the two countries. The paper concludes with a recommendation to reinforce the economic and political ties between the two countries.