India, Oman deepen ties as Modi oversees new agreements in Muscat

MUSCAT –

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oman took on added significance on Wednesday as the two countries signed an executive programme, a joint vision document and four memoranda of understanding, underscoring a push to deepen their strategic and economic partnership during his official trip to the Gulf state.

The agreements were signed in Muscat as part of Modi’s two-day visit, his second to Oman, which comes as the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. They include a Joint Maritime Vision Document and an executive programme focused on cooperation in millet cultivation and innovation in food and agriculture, alongside four MoUs covering maritime heritage and museums, scientific research and skills development, agriculture and related sectors, and cooperation between the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The signing ceremony brought together senior officials from both sides, including Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and representatives from the commerce ministries, diplomatic missions and business communities of the two countries.

Modi arrived in Muscat after visits to Jordan and Ethiopia, and was welcomed at the airport by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said and accorded a guard of honour. Shortly after landing, the Indian leader highlighted the depth of bilateral ties in a message posted on X.

“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,” he said.

The visit, taking place at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, is expected to focus on strengthening the strategic partnership, with particular emphasis on commercial and economic cooperation. Talks are also expected to advance discussions on a proposed free trade agreement, officially known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

India has said it is “very optimistic” about concluding the agreement, which received approval from the Indian cabinet last week. Formal negotiations began in November 2023 and were completed earlier this year, raising expectations that the pact could be finalised soon. Such agreements typically involve lowering or removing customs duties on a wide range of goods, easing trade in services and encouraging investment flows.

Within the Gulf Cooperation Council, Oman is India’s third-largest export destination, underlining the scale of bilateral trade. India already has a similar trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates, in force since 2022.

Against this backdrop, Arun Chatterjee, a secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said at a recent media briefing: “We are all very optimistic about it. The teams from both sides have been working very hard for its early finalisation.”

The newly-signed MoU between OCCI and CII is aimed at strengthening cooperation across economic sectors. Zakariya bin Abdullah al-Saadi, chief executive of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the agreement would support the exchange of trade delegations focused on promising investment sectors and help attract Indian investors to Oman, while also promoting Omani products and services in the Indian market.

Chandrajit Banerjee, director-general of the Confederation of Indian Industry, said the MoU would help expand partnerships in investment, commerce and economic activity, pointing to opportunities in education, technology, industry, infrastructure, services and tourism, and expressing optimism about continued close cooperation.

Beyond trade, the visit is expected to allow both sides to take stock of their wider relationship, including cooperation in energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture and culture, as well as discussions on regional and global issues.

“This visit will be an opportunity for both sides to comprehensively review the bilateral partnership, including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture and culture as well as exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” India’s foreign ministry said.

Oman’s ambassador to India, Sheikh Humaid Bin Ali Bin Sultan Al-Mani, described Modi’s trip as a “very important” milestone, noting that it comes two years after Sultan Haitham’s visit to India and carries added weight as the two countries commemorate seven decades of diplomatic relations.