Muscat: The Government of India has conferred the Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2019 to the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said (May His Soul Rest In Peace).

The Gandhi Peace Prize is an accolade instituted by the Indian Government since 1995.

A statement from the Ministry of Culture in New Delhi read: “His Majesty Sultan Qaboos was a visionary leader whose twin policy of moderation and mediation in addressing international issues won him praise and respect across the globe.

“He played an important role in supporting peace efforts in various regional disputes and conflicts. H.M. Sultan Qaboos was the architect of the special ties between India and Oman.

“He had studied in India and always maintained a special relationship with India. Under his leadership, India and Oman became strategic partners, and our mutually beneficial, comprehensive partnership strengthened and scaled newer heights.”

On the passing of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos in 2020, Indian PM Narendra Modi recalled his contribution to Oman and India’s bilateral relations. He stated: “He [Late HM Sultan Qaboos] was a true friend of India and provided strong leadership for developing a strategic partnership between India and Oman.”

The PM had also remembered him as a ‘visionary leader and statesman’ and as a ‘beacon of peace for our region and the world’.

The Gandhi Peace Prize recognizes the progressive leadership and exceptional vision of the Late HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said in strengthening ties between Oman and India and his tireless efforts to promote peace, prosperity and non-violence in the Gulf region.