Oman has promoted its Sohar Port as a potential gateway for India to access Gulf energy resources, citing the ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. The port, located on the Omani coast in the Gulf of Oman, is positioned as a viable alternative to the Strait, which has been a focal point of geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States. The promotion came during a two-day event in New Delhi, where the Embassy of Oman highlighted the port's strategic and economic advantages.

Raid Al Rubaiey, CEO of Sohar Freezone and Deputy CEO of Sohar Port, emphasized the port's capacity to handle 72 million tonnes of cargo annually and its role in connecting regional and global markets. He noted that Sohar Port has attracted over $30 billion in investments and is part of a broader industrial and logistics platform. The port's location, in the northeast of Oman, places it near vital energy pipelines of the UAE and eastern Saudi Arabia, making it a critical hub for energy exports.

The Embassy of Oman described Sohar Port and Freezone as a 'mega project' developed by ASYAD Group and the Port of Rotterdam, offering a range of services including logistics, petrochemicals, and metals. It also features the Gulf region's first agribulk terminal. The port's significance is expected to grow further with the planned connection to the UAE's rail network, which will enhance cross-border freight transport.

Earlier, Oman had offered Duqm and Salalah ports to India, but Sohar Port is considered more strategically advantageous due to its proximity to key energy infrastructure. Recent reports indicate that Saudi Arabia is increasing crude oil shipments to Asian refiners via ship-to-ship transfers off Sohar Port following damage to its Red Sea pipeline from drone attacks. This development underscores the port's growing importance in the region's energy supply chain.

The potential for increased Indian investment in Sohar Port could have significant implications for India's energy security and trade relations with Gulf states. However, the extent of India's interest and the specific terms of any investment remain unclear. Further details on the potential benefits and challenges of such an investment would require additional information and analysis.