Muscat: Terrorism, piracy and criminal activities threaten the Gulf region as much it does India, the visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said at the end of his two-day visit to Oman on Sunday.
"Piracy, criminal activities and terrorism on our seas and land threaten the Gulf countries and India as well," the soft-spoken Indian Prime Minister said while addressing the Indian Diaspora at the Indian Embassy hall on Sunday during his first-ever visit to the region after taking over as India's Prime Minister four years ago.
Piracy in the Gulf of Aden has affected both India and Oman in recent months with either cargo headed to Oman or Indian crew caught in ship hijacking by Somalian pirates off Oman's southern coast.
This year alone 32 ships were hijacked and 11 are still captive. Stating that there were many reasons for India to work closely with Oman and ensure a stable and prosperous region, he stressed that the Gulf region was an area of great importance to India.
"It is part of our extended neighbourhood, and home to five million Indians and also the largest source of our energy supplies," he said.
Congratulating the Indian Diaspora in Oman for their contribution in the development of the country, Singh said: "You are a microcosm of the multicultural and multi-religious diversity of India. You are a vibrant and industrious community."
"Today you are employing your skills to build a prosperous Oman and a new life for yourselves and your families. Your achievements are a matter of pride for the people back home in India and I bring to you our greetings," he enthused.
Talking about the ambitious development plans in India, he said: "Our financing requirements for the building of massive infrastructure in the next five years are estimated at over $500 billion [Dh1.84 trillion]."
He also revealed in his speech that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between India and Oman on Labour Mobility, Protection and Welfare of workers.
"This important initiative will provide a framework for strengthening cooperation."
