Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits to Jordan and Oman have drawn significant regional attention, underscoring India’s expanding diplomatic footprint in the Middle East. During the trip, Modi received a warm reception and was conferred with Jordan’s highest civilian honour, developments that have sparked discussion across the Muslim world and prompted unease in Pakistan.
Commenting on the visits, Pakistani analyst Qamar Cheema said Jordan and Oman hosted the Indian Prime Minister primarily to advance mutual interests, rejecting claims that the outreach was directed against any third country. Nevertheless, Pakistan has expressed discomfort over India’s growing engagement with Muslim-majority nations and New Delhi’s improving image in the region.
Security and maritime considerations are central to India’s deepening ties with Oman, analysts note. India has been placing increased emphasis on maritime security, with Oman emerging as a key partner in the Gulf region and the western Indian Ocean. Nearly 40 percent of India’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, whose entry and exit points are closely linked to Oman, making the country strategically vital for New Delhi.
Cheema pointed out that in the event of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the navies of India and Oman could provide mutual support, and Muscat could offer advance alerts to New Delhi. He also highlighted the strategic importance of Oman’s Duqm Port, describing it as a critical asset for India’s naval logistics and operational flexibility, particularly if traditional Gulf chokepoints need to be bypassed.
Pakistan, analysts say, is concerned about India’s expanding access to the Red Sea, Africa, and the Arabian Sea. India and Oman already conduct joint naval patrols and cooperate in counter-piracy operations. Oman, for its part, is strengthening partnerships to address challenges such as terrorism and illicit trafficking.
Observers note that India is actively seeking closer engagement with key members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, a trend Pakistani analysts view as unfavorable for Islamabad. Recent developments, they add, have heightened Pakistan’s anxieties over India’s growing strategic influence in the region.