New Delhi, Nov. 20 -- On the eve of Oman's National Day, the Sultanate's Ambassador to India, Issa Saleh Abdullah Alshibani, described the Indian community in Oman with the Arabic phrase "Alhind hi rakizat Euman!" (India is the pillar of Oman), underscoring the historic and expanding partnership between the two nations. In an exclusive interview with The Pioneer, he noted that the nearly 7,00,000-strong Indiancommunity, the largest expatriate group in the Sultanate, stands as a living example of the deep trust, social harmony and people-to-people bonds that anchor India-Oman relations. Edited excerpts follow:

How do you see India-Oman diplomatic relations evolving in recent years, and what key areas are driving this partnership?

A: In m...