In a warm gesture to strengthen India’s bilateral relationship with Oman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January extended congratulations to the newly anointed Sultan HM Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq al Said.

“I heartily congratulate HM Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq al Said on taking over as Sultan of Oman. I am confident that under his leadership, Oman will continue to progress and prosper and contribute to global peace. India has millennia old relations with Oman. We look forward to working hand in hand with HM Sayyid Haitham to further strengthen our strategic partnership,” Mr Modi tweeted.

The 66-year-old Haitham bin Tariq succeeded his cousin Qaboos bin Said who passed away on January 10. He was named as the successor in Qaboos’s will and by the royal family. As Aultan, he also holds the position of Prime Minister, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Minister of Defence, Finance and Foreign Affairs. He has previously served as minister of heritage and culture and undersecretary and secretary general of the ministry of foreign affairs. He is well known among diplomatic circles globally.