India Eyes Bold Oman Trade Deal Amid Modi Visit
India Eyes Bold Oman Trade Deal Amid Modi Visit
India aims for a comprehensive economic partnership with Oman during PM Modi's Gulf visit, hoping to deepen trade and investment.
India is pushing ahead with a plan to finalise a comprehensive economic partnership with Oman during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's four-nation Gulf tour, with the Oman leg scheduled for December 17-18 as part of a broader effort to strengthen trade and defense ties. Officials say the teams from both sides have been working diligently, expressing strong optimism that the agreement could be inked during the visit. “We are all very optimistic about it. The teams from both sides have been working very hard for its early finalisation,” said a senior MEA secretary, highlighting the belief that a successful CEPA would deepen economic links and open a new chapter in India-Oman trade and commercial relations.
The proposed India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is viewed as a key pillar of bilateral engagement, with officials noting that the volume of bilateral trade for 2024-2025 stands at $10.61 billion and that investment flows have remained robust, supported by multiple joint ventures across India and Oman. Trade pacts are seen as essential to sustaining gains from expanded market access and investment opportunities.
On a lighter note, questions about whether Oman might supply spare parts for India’s retired Jaguar fighter jets were addressed. It was clarified that Oman previously operated Jaguar aircraft but the jets have been retired for some time; however, Oman reportedly has spare parts available and could transfer them in the near future. Some briefing material suggested that certain reports about spares were not fully accurate, but officials affirmed that the potential for parts transfer exists and could materialise shortly.
Beyond the trade pact, the broader message from the ongoing outreach is clear: trade and investment remain core pillars of India’s relationship with Oman, and the Modi visit is framed as a step toward deeper regional economic and strategic cooperation. The Gulf swing follows previous trips and signals a concerted push to formalize agreements that could bolster markets, manufacturing, and defense collaboration in the years ahead.
Cover image source: Very optimistic: India on possibility of sealing trade deal with Oman during PM Modi's visit 🔗
