India Gets A Specific Zone In Oman’s Port Of Duqm Amid Red Sea Crisis

Two months after Sultan Haitham bin Tariq visited New Delhi, India gets a specific zone in the strategically located Port of Duqm, Oman. The port is located in the Al Wusta governorate of Oman. The development is expected to enhance India’s role in the Western and Southern Indian Ocean Region.

The port holds a strategic location overlooking Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. The port provides logistic base to India in the maritime cooperation. The move has seen to boost India’s role as a net security provider amid the ongoing Houthi’s attacks in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean Region. According to the information available, it will enhance India’s role as a first responder in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The recent development will add on India’s strategic presence and growing role for Indian naval forces against anti-piracy operations in the Red Sea and Western waters. Since Houthi’s attacks started in the last November, Indian Navy has rescued several vessels and crew members against the deadly attacks.

The port provide access to the shipping lanes to Indian as well as African markets. It is integrated into the special economic zone at Duqm, which is located 550 km south of Muscat. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including ship repair and dry dock, Duqm emerged as a vital hub for diverse maritime activities.

Situated strategically along the international shipping route the Port of Duqm is one of the major development projects in the Duqm Special Economic Zone. Because of its closeness to developing markets in Africa, India, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, it has a competitive edge. India’s secured zone in the Port of Duqm underscores India’s national commitment to reinforce its maritime ties with Oman.