Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official two-day visit to Oman on December 17-18, 2025, has significantly reinforced the deep-rooted strategic partnership between the two nations. This second visit by PM Modi, which also marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, underscored Oman's pivotal role in India's foreign policy framework for the Gulf and wider Middle East region.
A Partnership Honoured and Strengthened
The visit was marked by a moment of high honour as Sultan Haitham bin Tarik conferred upon Prime Minister Modi the 'Order of Oman (First Class)', the sultanate's highest civilian award. This recognition celebrated his exceptional contribution to fostering bilateral ties and his visionary leadership. Beyond the symbolism, the trip yielded substantial outcomes, most notably the signing of the landmark India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
This trade pact is a strategic milestone. While negotiations for a broader Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have been prolonged, Oman has become the second GCC member after the UAE to seal an individual FTA with India. The CEPA is designed to turbocharge economic engagement by providing tariff-free access to nearly 98% of Omani imports into India and duty-free access to about 78% of Indian products entering Oman. This agreement is poised to give a major boost to bilateral trade, which stood at US$10.6 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Beyond Trade: Defence, Maritime & Food Security
During their bilateral talks on December 18, PM Modi and Sultan Haitham reviewed progress on the Joint Vision Document adopted during the Sultan's visit to India in December 2023. The leaders noted the synergy between Oman's Vision 2040 and India's Viksit Bharat 2047 goals, agreeing to collaborate in areas of mutual interest.
A key focus was on enhancing defence and security cooperation. Discussions centred on increasing joint military exercises for better interoperability, expanding training programmes for defence personnel, and exploring opportunities in defence manufacturing and trade. This aligns with India's ambition to emerge as a major defence manufacturing hub and Oman's aim to diversify its strategic partnerships.
Maritime collaboration, a traditional pillar of the relationship, was elevated with the adoption of a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation. It focuses on strengthening regional maritime security, developing the blue economy, and ensuring the sustainable use of ocean resources. An MoU on Maritime Heritage and Museums was also signed, which includes support for India's National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, promoting shared history and tourism.
Addressing Future Challenges: Energy, Food, and Health
The visit also paved the way for cooperation in critical future-facing sectors. Recognising the importance of food security, the two nations signed an MoU on Agriculture and Allied Sectors and an Executive Programme for Cooperation in Millet Cultivation and Agri-food Innovation. The latter aims to leverage India's scientific expertise in millets with Oman's agro-climatic conditions to advance production and research.
In healthcare, the sides agreed to bolster cooperation, with ongoing talks to establish an Ayush Chair at Oman's National University of Science and Technology and set up an information cell for traditional medicine in Oman. This builds on the collaboration seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights India's healthcare outreach as a soft power tool.
On regional issues, both leaders expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. They welcomed the first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan, called for unimpeded humanitarian aid, and reiterated support for a two-state solution. They also presented a united front against terrorism, radicalism, and extremism, unequivocally stating that no justification for acts of terror can ever be accepted.
Prime Minister Modi's visit has emphatically reaffirmed Oman's position as a steadfast and crucial regional partner for India. It highlights the growing depth of the relationship, moving beyond traditional ties into a comprehensive strategic partnership focused on shared economic prosperity, security, and a stable future.
