Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh is going to visit Oman and Qatar from November 8 to 10. Mr. Singh would discuss various matters such as two-way investments, energy security and safety of Indians working in Gulf region. Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vyalar Ravi, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and other senior official would also accompany the PM.

India maintains good relations with Oman. It remains as a confident friend of India, who offers berthing facilities to Indian warships. Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, N. Ravi said that India would conduct joint naval exercise with both gulf countries. India may also provide military training to officers of their army in its military training institutions.

Qatar is also a natural ally of India which is continually satisfying its energy needs. India is keen to build a mutually beneficial strategic partnership for energy and security with Qatar.

Dr. Singh will meet the head of State and government of Oman, Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id and senior members of the government in Muscut. The proposed visit of Indian PM to gulf countries would strengthen their bilateral ties, besides increasing mutual co-operation for energy and security needs.