December 19, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the prestigious Order of Oman by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik during a ceremonial event at the Royal Palace in Muscat, recognising his outstanding contribution to strengthening India-Oman relations and his visionary global leadership.
The honour was bestowed during the Prime Minister’s official visit to Oman, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, lending added significance to the moment and to the growing Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi dedicated the award to the enduring friendship between India and Oman, describing it as a symbol of the mutual trust and affection shared by the people of both countries.
A major highlight of the visit was the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a new chapter in bilateral economic engagement. The agreement aims to create a transparent and predictable trade framework, enhance market access, generate employment opportunities, and facilitate labour mobility while respecting Oman’s sovereign employment policies.
The CEPA was signed by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Qais Al Yousef, in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Both leaders welcomed the agreement as a landmark step that would significantly deepen the India-Oman Strategic Partnership. Notably, this is Oman’s second direct Free Trade Agreement in two decades, underscoring India’s importance as a trusted partner.
In addition to CEPA, the two countries signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding covering areas such as maritime heritage, education, agriculture, and millet cultivation, further broadening the scope of cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi held extensive discussions with the Sultan, including one-on-one and delegation-level meetings, during which they reviewed progress across defence, security, trade, energy, technology, agriculture, culture, and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments.
At the India-Oman Business Forum, the Prime Minister highlighted opportunities to expand economic collaboration and invited Omani businesses to invest and innovate in India. He also addressed the Indian diaspora in Muscat, including over 700 students from Indian schools, which are marking 50 years of their presence in Oman this year.
Addressing the community, he spoke about India’s cultural diversity, the global respect for the Indian diaspora, and India’s transformation over the past 11 years through innovation, startups, and Digital Public Infrastructure. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to the welfare of its overseas citizens and encouraged youth to dream big and innovate boldly.
The Prime Minister concluded by emphasising that the India-Oman partnership is becoming future-ready through cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Source: newsonair