Warm Reception in Muscat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Muscat, Oman, marking the final leg of his three-nation, four-day tour after completing visits to Jordan and Ethiopia.
The Prime Minister was received at the Muscat International Airport by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, and was accorded a guard of honour.
‘Land of Enduring Friendship’
In a post on X, PM Modi described Oman as a “land of enduring friendship and deep historical connections with India,” adding that the visit would help explore new avenues of cooperation and provide fresh momentum to bilateral ties.
The visit is being undertaken at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman.
Focus on Strategic Partnership and Trade
During his two-day visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold talks with Oman’s top leadership on strengthening the India–Oman Strategic Partnership and expanding cooperation across commercial and economic sectors.
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A key focus of the visit is the expected signing of an ambitious free trade agreement, officially termed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
India–Oman CEPA Near Finalisation
The proposed CEPA was approved by the Union Cabinet last week. Negotiations for the agreement began in November 2023 and were concluded earlier this year.
The agreement is expected to significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties, ease norms for trade in services, and boost investments. Key beneficiary sectors include textiles, food processing, automobiles, auto components, gems and jewellery.
India already has a similar agreement with another Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member, the United Arab Emirates, which came into force in May 2022.
Strong Trade Ties
Oman is India’s third-largest export destination among GCC countries. Bilateral trade between the two nations stood at $10.5 billion in 2024–25, with Indian exports valued at $4 billion and imports at $6.54 billion.
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India’s major imports from Oman include petroleum products and urea, while key exports comprise mineral fuels, chemicals, precious metals, iron and steel, cereals, ships, electrical machinery, tea, coffee, spices, apparel and food products.
Engagement With Indian Diaspora
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to address the Indian diaspora in Oman, highlighting the role of overseas Indians in strengthening bilateral relations.
