Muscat, Oman — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has successfully concluded his two-day state visit to Oman, marking the final leg of a high-profile three-nation diplomatic tour that also took him to Jordan and Ethiopia from December 15–18, 2025. The visit comes at a symbolic time, as India and Oman celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties, and reflects a renewed momentum in economic, strategic, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
Warm Welcome and Diplomatic Engagements
Upon arrival in Muscat, PM Modi was received with full ceremonial honours and a guard of honour by Oman’s leadership, including the Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, and later met Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in official talks.
During their meetings, both leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions on deepening bilateral relations across trade, investment, energy, defence, maritime security, technology and cultural exchange. They also reaffirmed mutual interests on regional and global issues
Historic Free Trade Agreement (CEPA/FTA)
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) — a landmark trade pact aimed at dramatically expanding economic cooperation.
Key Features of the Trade Agreement
- Offers near-universal tariff-free access for Indian goods into Oman, with 98% of exports duty-free, significantly boosting Indian exporters’ competitiveness.
- Encourages deeper collaboration in services sectors and professional mobility.
- Includes provisions that could open new markets for India’s traditional medicine systems (AYUSH) and related services — a first in such a pact — alongside cooperation in agriculture, technology and other sectors.
PM Modi described the CEPA as a “blueprint for a shared future,” highlighting its potential to energize bilateral trade, attract investments, and create jobs.
Strengthening Economic and Business Ties
During the India-Oman Business Forum, PM Modi underlined the centuries-old maritime trading links between the two countries — from Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat — and called upon business leaders to leverage the new economic framework for expanded cooperation in sectors like energy, logistics, agritech, infrastructure, and digital technology.
- He also outlined future initiatives aimed at strengthening innovation and collaboration, such as:An India-Oman Innovation Bridge to connect startups across both nations.
- A proposed India-Oman Agri Innovation Hub focusing on agricultural technology.
- Targeted green energy partnerships, including green hydrogen, ammonia, solar parks and smart grids, planned over the next five-plus years.
Cultural Outreach and Diaspora Engagement
PM Modi also took time to address the Indian community in Oman, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Indian schools in the country and lauding the diaspora’s contributions to cementing cultural and economic ties. He emphasized India’s diversity as a strength that helps its global communities integrate and thrive.
In his remarks, Modi noted the historical depth of India-Oman relations, dating back centuries of maritime commerce, and reiterated the importance of continued cooperation and coexistence.
Highest Civilian Honour from Oman
A symbolic highlight came when PM Modi was conferred with the Order of Oman, the Sultanate’s highest civilian honour, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This honour underscores the mutual respect and deepening bond between India and Oman and places Modi among global leaders recognized for strengthening bilateral ties
Strategic and Regional Context
Reports indicate that leaders also discussed broader regional issues, reinforcing commitments to maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean region. A Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation was adopted to foster collaborative efforts in sustainable ocean use, maritime security and blue economy partnerships.
Prime Minister Modi’s Oman visit in December 2025 marks a turning point in India-Oman relations, characterized by strategic vision, economic integration and cultural engagement. The CEPA/FTA, coupled with high-level dialogues and accolades such as the Order of Oman, highlights a deepening partnership that aims not only to boost bilateral ties but to contribute to stability and shared prosperity in the broader region
