Indian Navy's Chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar, has made a significant trip to Duqm, a strategically crucial port in southeastern Oman. The port of Duqm holds a commanding position overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This location offers a significant vantage point, serving as an essential outpost for India in Oman to counter the pervasive issue of piracy in the Indian Ocean.

Admiral Hari Kumar didn't just come for a sightseeing visit; he had crucial engagements during his stay. One such engagement was his interactive session with the crew members of INS Trikand. The INS Trikand is a formidable naval asset, currently deployed in the region for the noble mission of counter-piracy operations. The interaction must have been a morale booster for the crew, receiving their chief in the middle of their duty, far away from home.

The Navy Chief's visit also extended to a detailed tour of the Port of Duqm. He was shown the various facilities that the port offered, ranging from ship berthing, a term that means to dock the ships, to ship repair and maintenance amenities. These facilities are integral to keep a naval ship in optimal condition, ensuring that they are always ready for their missions. The Indian Navy officials stated, "During his Oman visit, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar visited Duqm where he addressed the crew of INS Trikand mission deployed for anti-piracy operations in the region. He was also shown the Port of Duqm and the various facilities available for ship berthing along with ship repair & maintenance facilities there."

The Port of Duqm is not a random selection for the Indian Navy; there is a strategic relationship that underpins this choice. Back in 2018, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Muscat, India and Oman signed a pivotal agreement. This agreement gave Indian naval ships access to the Duqm port, specifically to use the dry dock for ship repair and maintenance. This partnership serves as a testament to the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations, fostering military and strategic cooperation.

Located on Oman's southeastern seaboard, the Port of Duqm is at a strategic location. Its proximity to Iran's Chabahar port underscores its significance. Furthermore, the Port of Duqm is part of an extensive network, which includes Assumption Island in Seychelles and Agalega in Mauritius. This network is central to India's maritime interests in the Indian Ocean region, crucial for both defensive and commercial operations.

The geo-economic importance of the Port of Duqm cannot be understated either. Indian companies have been cordially invited to invest in various sectors in the special economic zones (SEZs) of Oman. These SEZs include Duqm, Sohar, and Salalah. Such an invitation not only fosters economic ties but also paves the way for a solid partnership in the realm of maritime strategy.

In acknowledgment of the port's immense importance, India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, visited the Special Economic Zone at Duqm in June. His visit underscores the significance India places on its relationship with Oman and the strategic importance of the Port of Duqm.

To make the Navy Chief's visit even more significant, INS Vishakhapatnam, the indigenous guided missile destroyer, docked at the Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat. This synchronised occurrence gives a glimpse of the depth of the military ties that India and Oman share. Furthermore, it also highlights India's domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

In conclusion, the visit of Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar to the strategic Port of Duqm is a significant development in India's maritime diplomacy. It underlines the deep military ties between India and Oman, and emphasises India's commitment to maintain security in the Indian Ocean. It also signals the growing importance of Duqm as a hub for naval operations and the pivotal role it plays in India's maritime strategy.