Port of Duqm

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Port of Duqm

News: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited the strategic Port of Duqm where Muscat has given access to the Indian Navy to facilitate its presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

About Duqm port:
• Oman’s Duqm port is a seaport and road terminal located at Duqm in the Al Wusta governorate of Oman. It is part of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD)
• Duqm port is strategically located on the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, overlooking major shipping lanes and markets in Asia, Africa and Europe.

Why is it important for India?
• First, it is a strategic location that overlooks the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea, giving India access to major shipping lanes and markets in Asia, Africa and Europe.
• Second, it is a part of India’s maritime strategy to counter China’s growing presence and influence in the Indian Ocean Region, where it has been developing its ‘string of pearls’ strategy of building ports and naval bases in countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Djibouti.
• Third, it is a key component of India’s defence and security partnership with Oman, which is India’s oldest and closest ally in West Asia.
• Lastly, it is an alternative option for India to enhance its connectivity projects and routes in the region, especially in light of challenges faced by Chahbahar port in Iran due to US’s sanctions.