Oman Promotes Sohar Port as India’s Gulf Energy Route

Oman promoted Sohar Port in New Delhi on 16 September 2026 as an alternative access point for India’s energy and trade flows from the Persian Gulf. Sohar Port lies on the Omani coast of the Gulf of Oman, outside the Strait of Hormuz, and it is linked to energy infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates and eastern Saudi Arabia.

Sohar Port and Its Location

Sohar Port is a deep-water port in northern Oman on the Gulf of Oman. Its location places it outside the Strait of Hormuz, which is a narrow maritime passage between Oman and Iran that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The port is positioned near major regional energy corridors and is used for cargo handling, industrial activity, and trans-shipment. The port area includes Sohar Freezone, which supports manufacturing, logistics, and export-oriented investment.

Investment and Cargo Capacity

Dr. Raid Al Rubaiey, CEO of Sohar Freezone and Deputy CEO of Sohar Port, stated on 16 September 2026 that Sohar Port has attracted more than US$30 billion in investments. He also stated that the port has a cargo-handling capacity of 72 million tonnes annually.

The Omani Embassy in New Delhi organised a two-day promotional event for Indian businesses, manufacturers, and exporters. The event ended on 16 September 2026 and focused on investment opportunities in Sohar Port and Sohar Freezone.

Trade Connectivity and Energy Access

The upcoming Oman-UAE rail link is planned to connect Sohar Port with the United Arab Emirates rail network. Rail connectivity of this type is used for cross-border freight movement and port-to-hinterland logistics.

The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement came into force on 1 June 2026. A comprehensive economic partnership agreement is a bilateral trade pact that usually covers goods, services, investment, and customs-related facilitation.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints.
• Sohar Port is located on the Gulf of Oman, not inside the Persian Gulf.
• Oman has three major ports often discussed in trade and logistics: Sohar, Duqm, and Salalah.
• Free zones are special economic areas that usually offer customs and tax-related incentives for investors.

India’s Import Dependence

India depends on the Strait of Hormuz for about 30 per cent of its crude oil imports and about 90 per cent of its liquefied petroleum gas imports. The India-Oman CEPA and port connectivity through Sohar, Duqm, and Salalah are part of India’s wider maritime trade links with Oman.