Muscat welcomes PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Muscat on Wednesday marking the final leg of his three-nation diplomatic tour. He was warmly received at the airport by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, along with a ceremonial guard of honour.
Sharing images of his arrival on social media, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the reception and highlighted the importance of India’s long-standing ties with Oman. The visit is significant as both countries are set to deepen strategic and economic engagement.
PM Modi’s visit to Oman comes after his engagements in Jordan and Ethiopia, where he addressed key leadership forums. In Addis Ababa, he addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament and elevated India-Ethiopia relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership.
In Muscat, the PM is scheduled to hold talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, focusing on cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defence, security, and technology. The discussions will also cover regional and global issues of mutual interest.
A key highlight of the visit will be the signing of the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on December 18. The free trade pact, negotiations for which began in November 2023, is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment. The agreement will be signed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal also present.
The India-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to open significant opportunities across sectors including textiles, food processing, automobiles, gems and jewellery, agrochemicals, renewable energy, and auto components, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, said while addressing the India-Oman Business Forum in Muscat on Wednesday.
Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, HE Mr Qais Al Yousef, said that India has emerged as Oman’s third-largest trading partner and continues to be a key destination for Indian investments in strategic sectors.
