India-Oman Strengthen Strategic Partnership: PM Modi Visits Oman, Signs CEPA and Multiple MoUs.
Muscat, Oman:
At the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Oman from 17-18 December 2025. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, and received by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at Al Baraka Palace. The visit marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman and follows the Sultan’s state visit to India in December 2023.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and Sultan Haitham held extensive consultations, expressing satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations, spanning trade, investment, defence, security, technology, education, energy, space, agriculture, culture, and people-to-people ties. They reviewed ongoing initiatives under the Joint Vision Document adopted in 2023, noting that India-Oman relations have evolved into a multifaceted strategic partnership.
The leaders highlighted the signing of the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a major milestone to enhance trade, reduce barriers, boost investment, and create jobs in sectors including textiles, automobiles, chemicals, equipment, and fertilizers. Both countries expressed interest in exploring investments in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, logistics, food security, and hospitality, leveraging the success of the Oman-India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF). Discussions also covered facilitating trade in local currencies and finalizing the Bilateral Investment Treaty.
Energy cooperation, including in green hydrogen, green ammonia, and E&P projects, was emphasized as a key area for future collaboration. Defence ties were strengthened, with agreements on joint exercises, training, maritime security, and combating piracy. A Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation was adopted, reflecting a shared commitment to regional maritime security, blue economy, and sustainable ocean resource use.
The visit also advanced cooperation in health, agriculture, technology, education, and culture, with agreements to establish an Ayush chair at the National University of Science and Technology, promote millet cultivation, facilitate higher education exchanges, and collaborate on maritime heritage and museums.
Both sides reaffirmed strong people-to-people ties, noting the contributions of the Indian community of over 675,000 in Oman, and exchanged views on regional and global issues, including condemning terrorism and supporting humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Sultan Haitham for the warm hospitality and invited him to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
Agreements Signed During the Visit:
- Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
- MoU on Maritime Heritage and Museums
- MoU in Agriculture and Allied Sectors
- MoU on Higher Education
- MoU between Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and CII
- Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation
- Executive Programme for millet cultivation and agri-food innovation
