Modi Receives Oman’s Highest Award as India–Oman CEPA Signed

The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, visited Oman officially from 17 to 18 December 2025. The Prime Minister was greeted by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, at the airport and received a ceremonial welcome. On 18 December 2025, he was welcomed by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at Al Baraka Palace.

This visit is particularly important as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister’s visit follows His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's state visit to India in December 2023. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held discussions and expressed satisfaction with the strong state of their bilateral relations, which encompass trade, investment, defence, security, technology, education, energy, space, agriculture, culture, and people-to-people connections.

They also reviewed ongoing initiatives and cooperation in areas outlined in the Joint Vision Document adopted during the Sultan's visit to India in December 2023. Both sides recognised that the bond between Oman and India has endured over time and has evolved into a diverse strategic partnership. The Indian side praised Oman’s efforts in economic diversification and sustainable development under Vision 2040. The Omani side acknowledged India's steady economic growth and the goal of Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047. Both sides noted the alignment in their visions and agreed to collaborate in areas of mutual interest.

The two sides welcomed the signing of the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a major milestone in their economic relationship. Both leaders agreed that CEPA would benefit both countries and encouraged their private sectors to take advantage of the agreement. They also noted that CEPA would increase trade by reducing barriers and establishing a stable framework.

They also noted the past success of the Oman-India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF) and its potential to enhance investments. The two leaders discussed ideas to ease bilateral trade in local currencies. They also welcomed ongoing progress on the Bilateral Investment Treaty, recognising its potential to foster economic cooperation and a supportive environment for investors. Both sides considered ways to strengthen their partnership in the energy sector.

They acknowledged the synergies with their sustainable energy goals and proposed joint investments, technology transfer, and long-term collaboration. The two sides praised their growing defence cooperation and agreed to continue joint efforts, including exercises, training, and high-level visits, to achieve shared security goals and enhance regional stability. They also agreed on joint initiatives to prevent maritime crimes and piracy by strengthening maritime awareness and facilitating ongoing information sharing.

They recognised health cooperation as a key part of their partnership and expressed interest in strengthening collaboration in this area. Both sides noted ongoing discussions and initiatives, such as the proposal to establish an Ayush chair at the National University of Science and Technology and create an information cell in Oman to promote cooperation in traditional medicine. They reaffirmed their commitment to agricultural cooperation and welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in agriculture and allied sectors to enhance collaboration in agricultural science, animal husbandry, and aquaculture. They further agreed to boost cooperation in millet cultivation through training and scientific exchanges.

They acknowledged their growing technology collaboration, including in IT services, digital infrastructure, and space applications. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the deepening cultural cooperation and strong people-to-people connections. They welcomed the joint exhibition "Legacy of Indo-Oman Relations" and noted ongoing discussions on cultural digitisation initiatives. They also mentioned plans to establish the ICCR chair program for Indian Studies at Sohar University to promote cultural and academic exchanges.

They also acknowledged the upcoming inaugural voyage of INSV Kaundinya to Oman, celebrating their shared maritime traditions. They recognised ongoing cooperation in education and scientific exchange, including the upcoming India-Oman Knowledge Dialogue. The MoU on Higher Education will facilitate faculty and student exchanges, collaborative projects, and joint research. They also noted ongoing capacity-building initiatives under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program.

The Omani side expressed interest in discussing air service traffic rights, including the number of destinations and code-sharing arrangements. The Indian side took note of this request. Both sides agreed that their long-standing people-to-people ties are a cornerstone of the Oman-India relationship. The Indian side expressed deep appreciation for Oman's leadership in supporting the welfare of the vibrant Indian community of around 675,000 living in Oman.

They emphasised the importance of continued cooperation in this area. Both sides expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for the safe and timely delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians. They welcomed the signing of the first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan and reiterated their support for it. They reaffirmed their backing for efforts to restore peace and stability and stressed the need for a fair and lasting resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, including the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state. The following agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed during the visit:

1) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

2) MoU in Maritime Heritage and Museums

3) MoU in Agriculture and Allied Sectors

4) MoU in Higher Education

5) MoU between the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry

6) Adoption of the Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation

7) Executive Program for cooperation in millet cultivation and agri-food innovation.

The Indian Prime Minister thanked His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik for the warm welcome and hospitality shown to him and his delegation. He invited His Majesty the Sultan to visit India at a mutually convenient time.