India gets access to Oman's strategically located Duqm port

A corner of Oman's Duqm port. (Source: myind)

Duqm Port is located in the Usta Governorate of Oman, integrated into the Duqm Special Economic Zone, 550 km south of the capital Muscat and equipped with ship repair yards and dry docks.

Access to Duqm port will enhance the Indian Navy's role as a security network provider amid the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean region.

According to sources, Duqm provides a logistical base for India in the field of maritime cooperation and will also enhance India’s role as a first responder in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Shipping lines serving the Indian and African markets can easily access the Duqm port. Access to the port is strategically beneficial for India as it overlooks the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.

This development will add significantly to India’s growing presence in the region where the Indian Navy plays a key role in anti-piracy operations. In the past few months, the navy has also assisted several ships attacked by Houthi rebels from Yemen.