Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that Maitri Parv symbolises the strong friendship, shared history, and a forward-looking partnership between India and Oman, describing the Indian diaspora as a living example of coexistence and cooperation.
Addressing members of the Indian community at the Maitri Parv event in Muscat, PM Modi spoke amid chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Modi, Modi’. He said the gathering reflected India’s diversity and cultural strength, calling it a ‘mini India’.
“I am seeing a mini India in front of me. Today we have gathered here as one family, celebrating our country and Team India,” the Prime Minister said.
He highlighted India’s cultural diversity, noting that Indians adapt easily to different cultures while respecting local traditions wherever they live.
Diwali’s Global Recognition
PM Modi also referred to the recent inclusion of Diwali in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, calling it a moment of pride for Indians worldwide.
He said the recognition reflects India’s message of hope, harmony, and humanity.
“Now the diya of Diwali will illuminate not just our homes but the entire world,” he said, adding that the honour celebrates India’s cultural values on a global platform.
Explaining the significance of Maitri Parv, the Prime Minister said the word Maitri represents key pillars of the India–Oman relationship — Maritime heritage, Aspirations, Innovation, Trust and Technology, Respect, and Inclusive growth.
He said the event celebrates the friendship between the two nations, their shared past, and a prosperous future.
Historic Maritime Links
PM Modi recalled the centuries-old maritime ties between India and Oman, noting that trade between the two regions flourished through the Indian Ocean monsoon winds.
He spoke about Indian traders travelling in wooden boats from ports such as Lothal, Mandvi, and Tamralipti to Muscat, Sur, and Salalah.
He also mentioned a book compiled by the Indian Embassy documenting these historic links from Mandvi to Muscat, urging members of the diaspora to read and share it with younger generations and Omani friends.
Highlighting education as a strong pillar of bilateral ties, PM Modi said around 46,000 students study in Indian schools in Oman, including thousands from other communities.
He noted that this year marks 50 years of the Indian education system in Oman, calling it a milestone in India–Omani relations.
The Prime Minister thanked the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said for supporting Indian schools by providing land and resources, and expressed gratitude to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for continuing the tradition and protecting the Indian community in Oman.
Later in the day, PM Modi is scheduled to hold comprehensive talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, covering trade, investment, energy cooperation, defence, technology, agriculture, and cultural exchanges, along with regional and global issues.
PM Modi arrived in Muscat on Wednesday for the final leg of his three-nation tour. This marks his second visit to Oman, underscoring the growing depth of the India–Oman strategic partnership.
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