Muscat, Oman (TMT)- A new 200baiza stamp highlighting Oman-India relations was released at the Indian Embassy in Muscat in the presence of officials from Oman Post and the Indian Embassy. The stamp is now available at the Oman Post’s main branch in Ruwi. This is in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the friendly bilateral relations between Oman and India. (One Omani Rial equals 1,000baizas).
The aesthetically-drawn stamp features side by side — India’s monument of love –Taj Mahal built by Mughal Emperor of India, Shamsuddin Shahjahan in the 17th century and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque built by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos of Oman.
An accompanying envelope also called First Day Cover features the Gateway of India in Mumbai, along with Muscat Gate. Oman Post employee Juma Al Harthy spent around two weeks drawing the beautiful pictures.
At the stamp launch ceremony, H. E Indra Mani Pandey, India’s Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, and Abdul Malik Al Balushi, CEO, Oman Post, spoke about the historical and strategic relations between the two countries. H. E Dr Ali bin Ahmed Al Isa’eei, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the guest of honour at the event. The ambassadors of Iran, Qatar and South Korea were among the other diplomats who attended the launch ceremony.
A series of events were held throughout 2015 to mark the 60 years of diplomatic ties between Oman and India. A lecture on India-Oman Relations in the Historical and Contemporary Perspective by veteran Indian diplomat was held. An Indian Film Festival was held in coordination with City Cinema, Muscat and Yash Raj Films. A textiles exhibition: Vastram – Splendid World of Indian Textiles was organised by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations in Muscat. Four naval ships from Indian Navy’s Western fleet visited Muscat in 2015. Indian Ship INS Tarangini and the Omani Ship Shabab Oman from Royal Navy of Oman undertook a joint voyage tracing the ancient trading route between India and Oman.
