ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how Oman's relations with India and Pakistan evolved within a framework called regional security complex theory (RSCT). The South Asian Security Complex could be defined as a structure with India and Pakistan at its centre. In this context, Oman, which is an important country in terms of maritime security in the Gulf region, which is a neighbouring security complex, has historically important relations with India and Pakistan. Before being designated as a nation-state, Oman dominated certain lands in South Asia and thus left a historical, cultural, and socio-economic legacy in that region. In addition, Oman entered into political, social, and economic relations with the entities and peoples in the region before India and Pakistan became independent states in Asia. Following the 1970s, the independent foreign policies of India, Pakistan, and Oman led to the three nations' formation of partnerships for the purpose of social, economic, and security cooperation. Relations between Oman and Pakistan and India after the 1970s were enhanced by the historical and cultural ties between the three countries. As Oman's political and security collaboration with India and Pakistan has grown since the 2000s, maritime security has been a top priority for all three nations. Oman assessed its security ties with the Asian nations of India and Pakistan conscious of its neutrality policy in regional affairs, taking into account both Oman-China relations and China's engagement with these nations. The uniformity of views and initiatives on ensuring maritime security, combating terrorism, and countering the unsettling activities of non-state actors can be summed up as Oman's political and security cooperation with India and Pakistan in this context. Therefore, it could be argued while both India/Pakistan have seen Oman as a necessary and reliable security and defence partner, Oman also saw both India/Pakistan as economic opportunities and reliable security partners to the extent that does not upset its neutrality status in the Middle East.
