Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday, commencing the final and crucial segment of his three-nation tour across the Middle East and Africa. This significant two-day official visit, undertaken at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, holds special importance as it coincides with the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman.
A Warm Welcome and Historical Ties
Upon arrival at the airport, PM Modi was warmly received by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, and was presented with a ceremonial guard of honour. Expressing his sentiments on social media platform X, the Prime Minister stated, "Landed in Muscat, Oman. This is a land of enduring friendship and deep historical connections with India. This visit offers an opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration and add fresh momentum to our partnership." His sentiment was echoed by members of the vibrant Indian diaspora in Oman, who gathered to welcome him at his hotel.
Focus on a Landmark Economic Partnership
The centrepiece of the high-level discussions during this visit is the anticipated signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This proposed free trade pact, which received approval from the Union Cabinet just last Friday, aims to dramatically deepen bilateral economic ties. Negotiations for the CEPA were formally launched in November 2023 and have been successfully concluded this year.
Indian officials have expressed strong optimism about finalising the agreement during PM Modi's stay. MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Arun Chatterjee emphasised, "We are all very optimistic about it. The teams from both sides have been working very hard for its early finalisation." He added that the agreement would "significantly deepen the economic ties" and "open up a new chapter" in the history of India-Oman trade.
Strengthening a Multifaceted Strategic Partnership
Beyond the economic agenda, PM Modi is scheduled to hold comprehensive talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The discussions will focus on bolstering the strategic partnership across a wide spectrum, including trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture, and cultural exchanges. The leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The visit underscores Oman's pivotal position in India's engagement with the Gulf region. Oman is India’s third-largest export destination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Bilateral trade between the two nations stood at approximately USD 10.5 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, with Indian exports valued at USD 4 billion and imports at USD 6.54 billion. A successful CEPA with Oman would follow India's existing similar trade pact with the UAE, which came into effect in May 2022, further solidifying New Delhi's economic footprint in the region.
This diplomatic mission is poised to reinforce a time-tested friendship and translate it into a forward-looking, robust economic and strategic alliance for the future.
