India and Oman have agreed to isolate the sponsors of international terrorism, the External Affairs Ministry said here on Monday.

The declaration on battling terrorism came at the end of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country during which both sides acknowledged that there was an “inter-linkage” between the stability of the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent.

“The two sides also emphasised the need to isolate the sponsors and supporters of terrorism and agreed that the international community should take urgent action against all such entities, which support terrorism and use it as an instrument of policy,” a joint statement issued at the end of Mr. Modi’s visit declared.

The visit to the strategically located country is of special significance as the monarchy, led by Sultan Qaboos bin Said for more than four decades, is soon likely to undergo a phase of succession.

Indian officials last week thanked Oman for providing refuelling facilities to Indian ships and aircraft.

The delegations declared that both sides recognise “the close inter-linkage of the stability and security of the Gulf region with the Indian subcontinent”. Mr. Modi appreciated Oman’s help in dealing with “specific” security challenges, the joint statement mentioned.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Oman on Sunday after visiting Jordan, Palestine and the UAE. He addressed a gathering of Indian workers and professionals during his stay in Muscat.

Military cooperation

Mr. Modi thanked Sultan Qaboos for “exceptional warmth” and said, “My visit to Oman (is) one of the most memorable visits I have undertaken anywhere.”

On military cooperation, the joint statement said: “The Indian side thanked Omani side for facilitating operational visits by Indian Naval ships and aircraft as well as Indian Air Force aircraft to various Omani ports and airports. The Omani side expressed appreciation of the training facilities provided to the Omani Royal Armed Forces personnel by India.”

Strategic oil reserve

Mr. Modi also informed Oman’s ruler about the strategic oil reserve that India plans to build and invited Oman to participate in the project.

The Omani side briefed India about its own strategic oil reserve project in Ras Markaz near the port of Duqm.

A total of eight MoUs were signed on health, legal cooperation, tourism and military cooperation. Oman also expressed that it would like its scientists to be trained in Indian space research facilities.