From December 17 to 18, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Oman, marking his second official trip to the country and coinciding with the 70th anniversary of India-Oman diplomatic relations. Invited by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said, this visit was part of a broader three-nation tour that included Jordan and Ethiopia.
Key Events and Engagements
Ceremonial Welcome and Bilateral Discussions
Upon his arrival in Muscat, PM Modi was received by Deputy PM for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik, and given a ceremonial welcome. Following this, he engaged in bilateral talks with Sultan Haitham. The discussions encompassed various sectors, including food security, manufacturing, digital technologies, and space cooperation. They also focused on enhancing digital payments through India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and local currency trades.
India-Oman Business Forum
PM Modi attended the India-Oman Business Forum, where he collaborated with Union Minister Piyush Goyal and business leaders from both countries. The forum resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) aimed at strengthening economic ties and facilitating mutual investment opportunities.
Honors and Awards
During the visit, PM Modi was conferred with the Order of Oman, the highest civilian honor of the country, honoring his efforts in reinforcing bilateral relations. This recognition marks the 29th foreign award he has received during his tenure as Prime Minister.
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)—a landmark deal that represents India’s second Free Trade Agreement with a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nation. Under this agreement, India gets duty-free access to 98% of its tariff lines to Oman, while Oman liberalizes tariffs on approximately 77.79% of its own. The CEPA also includes provisions for various service sectors, raising intra-corporate transferee quotas and facilitating easier entry for skilled professionals from India.
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
Several MoUs were signed during this visit focusing on key sectors:
- Maritime Heritage: This agreement will promote collaborative partnerships and support maritime museums.
- Agriculture: An MoU in agriculture will enhance advancements in agricultural science, horticulture, and integrated farming systems.
- Higher Education: This agreement aims to facilitate research and academic exchanges.
Strategic Initiatives
India and Oman adopted an Executive Programme for cooperation in millet cultivation and agri-food innovation, leveraging India’s scientific expertise and Oman’s favorable agro-climatic conditions. They also established a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation, underlining their mutual commitment to regional maritime security and sustainable ocean utilization.
Conclusion
The visit concluded with a joint statement expressing both nations’ intentions to enhance investments in priority sectors such as infrastructure, technology, health, and cultural cooperation. PM Modi’s visit not only celebrated the long-standing relationship between India and Oman but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations, emphasizing shared commitments to security, economic growth, and cultural exchange.
