Indian Diaspora in Oman
What significant milestone in India-Oman relations is being celebrated this year?
This year marks the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic ties between India and Oman. To commemorate this important milestone, a special logo was released during Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to Oman. This celebration highlights the long-standing and enduring relationship between the two nations. The relationship includes significant contributions from the Indian diaspora in Oman, particularly families like the Khimjis who trace their roots to Gujarat and have been in Oman since 1870, playing an important role in strengthening bilateral relations through commerce and cultural integration.
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WION
03:09 - 03:21
How has the Khimji family maintained their connection to India while building their legacy in Oman?
The Khimji family has maintained strong ties to India, particularly with Mumbai, where many family members have studied. Their 150-year-old legacy was built by successive generations including Kokal Das Khimji, Matra Das Khimji, Kanak Bhai Khimji, and continues today. This enduring connection represents the broader pattern of Indian expatriates who have integrated into Omani society while preserving their cultural roots. The family exemplifies how Indian-origin people have progressed and contributed to Oman's development while maintaining meaningful connections to their homeland.
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01:46 - 02:13
What is the origin of the Khimji family and how did they become prominent in Oman?
The Khimji family, one of the most prominent business families in Oman, traces their roots to Mandavi in India's Gujarat, specifically from the coast of Kutch. The family's journey began when their patriarch Kimji Ram Dass arrived in Oman in 1870, establishing what would become an influential business presence in the country. Their story represents the rich legacy of Indian expatriates in Oman who successfully integrated their culture while contributing significantly to Oman's socio-economic landscape. This family exemplifies the strong Indo-Omani ties that have developed over the last 70 years.
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00:26 - 00:37
How does Anil Khimji feel about the treatment of Indian diaspora by Oman's leadership?
Anil Khimji, a member of a fourth-generation business family in Oman, expresses deep gratitude toward both the former and current sultans of Oman for their generosity toward his family and the broader Indian diaspora in the country. As Oman celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations with India, his sentiments highlight the positive relationship that has developed between the two nations. His appreciation underscores how Indian expatriates, particularly those from Gujarat's Kutch region like the Khimji family, have been welcomed and allowed to integrate into Omani society, contributing to the social and economic fabric of the nation while maintaining their cultural identity.
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WION
01:04 - 01:13
What milestone are India and Oman celebrating in their diplomatic relationship?
India and Oman are celebrating 70 years of established diplomatic ties. This significant milestone was commemorated with the release of a special logo during Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to Oman. The celebration highlights the enduring relationship between the two nations, which has been strengthened over generations by the Indian diaspora, particularly influential families like the Khimjis. Founded by patriarch Kimji Ramdas in the late 19th century, the Khimji family has played a crucial role in the economic and cultural integration of Indians in Oman.
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03:17 - 03:29
What role has the Kutch trading community played in India-Oman relations?
The trading community from Gujarat's Kutch region has played an important role in establishing strong people-to-people connections between India and Oman. Their presence has contributed significantly to cultural integration, as evidenced by the widespread understanding of Hindi in Oman, especially in the capital Muscat. This cultural bridge exists largely due to the presence of a substantial Indian diaspora in Oman, with families like the Khimjis (mentioned in the description as being established since 1870) representing multi-generational business ties between the two nations. These communities have been instrumental in fostering the socio-economic relationship that now characterizes the 70-year diplomatic history between India and Oman.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)WION
03:02 - 03:17