MUSCAT, Dec 17 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Muscat on Wednesday for a two-day visit, the final leg of his three-nation tour that included stops in Jordan and Ethiopia. The visit, at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, underscores India’s longstanding partnership with Oman, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Modi was received at Muscat airport by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, and was accorded a ceremonial guard of honor, reflecting the significance attached to his visit by the Omani leadership.
Shortly after arrival, Modi described Oman as “a land of enduring friendship and deep historical connections with India” in a post on X, highlighting the opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration and add momentum to bilateral ties.
The visit is expected to focus on strengthening the India-Oman Strategic Partnership, with discussions spanning trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture, and culture. Both sides are also set to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
A central highlight of the trip is the proposed India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The Union Cabinet approved the free trade pact last week, paving the way for potential finalization during Modi’s visit. Formal negotiations began in November 2023 and were largely completed earlier this year. If signed, the CEPA is expected to unlock new opportunities across sectors including textiles, food processing, automobiles, auto components, and gems and jewellery.
Oman ranks as India’s third-largest export destination within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), making the trade agreement a key milestone in economic relations. India already has a similar pact with the United Arab Emirates, effective since May 2022.
Oman’s Ambassador to India, Sheikh Humaid Bin Ali Bin Sultan Al-Mani, described Modi’s visit as a “very important” milestone, noting its timing is significant, coming two years after Sultan Haitham’s visit to India in December 2023.
At a media briefing, Arun Chatterjee, Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, expressed optimism about concluding the CEPA during the visit, emphasizing the hard work of teams on both sides to ensure its early finalization.
