Preface

Summary

On behalf of the Indian Ocean Research Group (IORG) Inc. we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Sultanate of Oman for so generously hosting our 2007 Conference in Muscat. Particular thanks go to His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al-Busaidi for his patronage of the Conference. We also especially thank all of the officials from the Ministry of Fisheries Wealth, especially its Undersecretary, His Excellency Dr Hamed bin Said Al Aufi, and the local Conference organizers, Dr Ahmed Al-Hosni and Habib Abdullah Habib Al-Hasni. We are particularly grateful, however, to one person who has been instrumental in facilitating IORG links with Oman and in strengthening Indian Ocean relations more generally, and that is, His Excellency Said bin Nasser Al Khusaibi. Fortunately for us, His Excellency is a member of the IORG International Advisory Board. However, the Conference could not have taken place without the generous support of all of the sponsors — gold, silver and bronze.

We are also grateful to Ambassador K. Kesavapany, Director, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore, for his wholehearted support for publishing the volume under the ISEAS banner. This has expanded the institutional linkage between ISEAS and IORG.

For all delegates, the Conference was an unforgettable experience, not only due to the excellent local organization to, from, and during the various Conference sessions, but also as a result of the memorable social programme, which included an incredible trip around Muscat harbour and beyond on a local, wheelchair-accessible dhow (a lateen-rigged ship) — thanks mainly to Tim Doyle's excellent organizational skills!

IORG also owes a great debt to the Indian Ambassador to Oman, His Excellency Ashok Kumar Attri, who very generously hosted a sumptuous reception at his wonderful Muscat residence.

Finally, the editors of this book once again thank all IORG Conference participants and contributors for their continuing fine scholarship, ongoing enthusiasm, patience, and, above all, their friendship.