India, Oman mark diamond jubilee of diplomatic ties

Muscat: Marking the 60th anniversary of India-Oman diplomatic relations, Indian Coast Guard Ship Vijit is visiting the Gulf country to cement deep-rooted ties, time-tested friendship and multifaceted cooperation.

A series of events have been planned throughout this year to observe the diamond jubilee of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the visit of ICGS Vijit is the beginning, the Times of Oman reported.

The opening of the Indian consulate in Muscat in 1955 was the first step towards cementing the deep-rooted ties, time-tested friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, the paper said.

ICGS Vijit, which arrived at Oman's Port Sultan Qaboos on Saturday, is the second in the series of 90-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels, was designed and built in India's Goa Shipyard Limited, and was commissioned in December 2010 in Goa.

The vessel has 19 officers and 120 other personnel under the command of Deputy Inspector General Rakesh Pal, Tatrakshak Medal and is based at Gujarat's Porbandar.

The 90-metre ship is equipped with the most advanced navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machinery with state-of-the-art technology besides other special features.