India’s Plan-B surprises the world: Iran not upset, Oman ready… what has India done?
Plan B for Petrol Crisis in India: Nobel laureate and renowned economist Amartya Sen believed that nation-building cannot be achieved solely by increasing GDP. Sen argued that foreign policy should be designed to quickly foster international cooperation during times of crisis. A reflection of these ideas is evident in India’s foreign policy today.
India’s Plan B for the Oil Crisis
Everyone knows that the war between Iran and the United States has worsened the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a global oil crisis. To address this, India has now implemented its Plan B. The essence of this oil plan is hidden in two chapters of Indian foreign policy.
The president of Venezuela, a major oil producer in the American continent, Delcy Rodríguez, is visiting India. To compensate for the shortage caused by the Hormuz crisis, India and Venezuela are negotiating oil supplies. Three days ago, a free trade agreement between India and the Gulf nation of Oman also came into effect. This means that despite the blockade of Hormuz, oil supplies from Oman to India will continue. During the Hormuz crisis, oil from Oman and Venezuela will provide relief to the country.
Why Doesn’t Iran Object to the Oil Deal with Oman?
You have seen and understood India’s Plan B. You might be wondering why Iran, which is reluctant to allow oil from any country to pass through, does not object to the oil supply from Oman to India. There are two reasons for Iran’s stance: one geographical and the other diplomatic.
The oil coming to India from Oman is being supplied from the ports of Duqm and Salalah. If you look at the map of the Middle East, you will see that both these ports are located on the Arabian Sea. They have nothing to do with the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, Iran has no right to object to this supply. On the other hand, India has remained neutral in the Middle East war. This is another reason why Iran is not raising any objections to the oil supply from Oman.
An Underwater Pipeline is Being Prepared
India has understood that the equations in the Middle East have changed. Today there is a war involving Iran. In the future, some other tension could arise. For this reason, India, in collaboration with Oman, has prepared a blueprint for oil supply that can meet India’s energy needs for a long time.
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Analysis of ‘two paths of relief’ in the ‘oil crisis’
India has reduced import duties on 94 percent of products coming from Oman. This step has incentivized companies supplying oil from Oman. For gas supply, India and Oman have also agreed to build an underwater pipeline. This pipeline will connect Oman’s ports with Gujarat’s ports. The pipeline will be completed in the next seven years and will supply 30 million cubic meters of gas daily. This means that 16 percent of India’s total gas needs will be met by this pipeline.
Cooperation with Oman has progressed. Now it is Venezuela’s turn. During the Iran war, Venezuela has become India’s third-largest oil supplier. This cooperation is being strengthened during the Venezuelan president’s visit to India.
Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Historically, it has been a crucial trade route for centuries, linking civilizations from Mesopotamia to the Indus Valley. Today, it remains one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints, with about one-fifth of global petroleum consumption passing through its waters.
Oman
Oman is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, known for its rich maritime history as a major trading hub. Historically, it was a powerful empire in the 17th and 18th centuries, with territories extending into East Africa. Today, it is celebrated for its ancient forts, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage blending Arab, Persian, and African influences.
Duqm
Duqm is a rapidly developing port city on the southeastern coast of Oman, historically a small fishing village that gained prominence in the 21st century due to major oil and logistics infrastructure projects. Its transformation began in earnest with the establishment of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) in 2011, designed to diversify Oman’s economy away from oil dependence. Today, Duqm is a key industrial hub, featuring a deep-sea port, dry dock, and refinery, while also attracting tourism with nearby beaches and desert landscapes.
Salalah
Salalah is a coastal city in southern Oman, known for its unique monsoon season (Khareef) that transforms the arid landscape into lush greenery. Historically, it was a key port on the frankincense trade route, and its prosperity is reflected in ancient sites like Al-Baleed Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it remains a major cultural and tourist destination, celebrating its heritage through events like the Salalah Tourism Festival.
Arabian Sea
The Arabian Sea is a region of the northern Indian Ocean bordered by the Arabian Peninsula, India, and the Horn of Africa. Historically, it served as a vital maritime trade route for centuries, connecting the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia through the spice and silk trades. Its waters have witnessed the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley and the Omani Empire.
Gujarat
Gujarat, located in western India, is a state rich in history and culture, known as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. It was home to the ancient Indus Valley civilization city of Lothal, and later flourished under various dynasties including the Solankis and the Mughals. Today, Gujarat is famous for its vibrant festivals, intricate handicrafts, and the majestic Sun Temple at Modhera.
Venezuela
Venezuela, located on the northern coast of South America, has a rich history shaped by Indigenous cultures, Spanish colonization beginning in the 16th century, and its struggle for independence led by Simón Bolívar in the early 19th century. The country is known for its diverse natural landscapes, including the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls. Today, Venezuela is recognized for its vibrant cultural heritage, blending Indigenous, African, and European traditions, though it faces significant economic and political challenges.
Iran
Iran, historically known as Persia, is a country in Western Asia with a rich cultural heritage spanning over 2,500 years. It was the center of the ancient Persian Empire, renowned for its monumental sites like Persepolis, and later became a major hub for Islamic art, science, and philosophy. Today, Iran is known for its vibrant bazaars, stunning mosques, and deep traditions in poetry and architecture.
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