Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Muscat in December 2025, the conferring of “‘Order of Oman (First Class)’ award for his exceptional contribution to India-Oman ties and his visionary leadership,” and the signing of the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) underline the growth in bilateral ties and the trust and warmth enjoyed by the two sides.
This is important because while the negotiations on the India-GCC FTA have been prolonged, Oman has become the second member of the GCC after the UAE to sign an FTA with India. The CEPA reportedly provides tariff-free access to nearly 98 per cent of Omani imports, while India has provided duty-free access to nearly 78 per cent of import products. This is likely to give a significant boost to bilateral trade that in 2024-25 stood at US$10.6 billion.
CEPA, blueprint for India-Oman shared future
While addressing the India-Oman Business Forum in Muscat, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of the CEPA and stated that the agreement would help realise the full potential of India-Oman trade and economic relations. He urged the business community in both countries to utilise the CEPA to enhance trade, business and commercial ties. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of the CEPA by calling it “the blueprint for India-Oman shared future”, arguing that the agreement would “infuse new energy in bilateral trade and investment ties and create opportunities for mutual growth, innovation and employment.”
During their bilateral talks on 18 December, Prime Minister Modi and Sultan Haitham reflected on a number of issues of mutual importance, including the Joint Vision Document adopted during the visit of Sultan Haitham to India in December 2023. The Joint Vision Document intends to capitalise on the goals of economic growth and sustainable development envisaged in Oman Vision 2040 and India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The two leaders noted the synergy and convergence of the two visions and agreed to work together in areas of mutual interest.
Besides trade, commerce, business and investments, the talks focused on strengthening defence and security ties and maritime cooperation. Among the issues that have emerged as a priority in this area are joint exercises to enhance interoperability, training for military and defence personnel, and potential for cooperation in defence manufacturing and trade.
This is important given that India is working towards emerging as a major defence manufacturing hub while Oman is focusing on diversifying its strategic partnership. For India, Oman is important given its traditional role as a regional arbiter and for its commitment to regional peace and stability that is vital for India.
In this regard, the shared maritime space between India and Oman becomes important. During the visit, a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation was adopted, focusing on the need to “strengthen cooperation in the field of regional maritime security, blue economy, and sustainable use of ocean resources.” Maritime security has traditionally formed one of the core areas of cooperation between India and Oman, wherein the two have cooperated in fighting piracy, organised crime, smuggling and other criminal activities through the sea route. Coastal security also forms an important area of cooperation between the two countries.
How Oman seeks to capitalise on India’s millet push
In addition, an MoU on cooperation in the field of Maritime Heritage and Museums reiterated the shared maritime history and commitment to preserving and celebrating it. Accordingly, it was agreed to “establish collaborative partnership to support Maritime Museums, including the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, and facilitate exchange of artefacts and expertise, joint exhibitions, research, and capacity building to promote shared maritime heritage, boost tourism and strengthen bilateral cultural ties.”
The visit also focused on issues such as environmental, food and energy security that have emerged as critical areas for the future. While the potential for enhancing cooperation in the field of renewable energy continues to be recognised, food security and sustainability have emerged as areas of priority. Hence, an MoU on cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors was signed. Additionally, an Executive Programme for Cooperation in Millet Cultivation and Agri-food Innovation was signed. These agreements underline the importance the two sides attached to food security and sustainability.
The MoU on Agriculture and Allied Sectors is likely to enhance cooperation among cooperatives working in the field of farming, animal husbandry and fisheries. There remains great potential in the field for sharing innovation and scientific and technological advancements in agriculture, cultivation and irrigation. The success of India’s innovation and promotion of millet in recent years has attracted attention and the signing of an agreement in this regard envisages capitalising on “India’s scientific expertise and Oman’s favorable agro-climatic conditions to advance millet production, research, and promotion.”
India’s healthcare outreach
The two sides also agreed to further strengthen the cooperation in the field of healthcare, technology, IT services, digital infrastructure, space, cultural cooperation and higher education. An MoU on cooperation in the field of higher education was signed to “facilitate exchange of faculty, researchers and scholars, while undertaking joint research, particularly applied research, in areas of mutual interest for generating new knowledge and innovative practices required for advancing human and socio-economic development goals.”
Prime Minister Modi and Sultan Haitham appreciated the ongoing talks on establishing an Ayush Chair at the National University of Science and Technology in Muscat, Oman and starting an information cell in Oman to facilitate cooperation in the field of traditional medicine. Notably, the two sides had cooperated in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic while India’s advancements in traditional healing methods and modern medical facilities have become an attractive proposition for patients from across the Global South, including the Gulf.
United in fighting terrorism, radicalism, extremism
Among the regional issues, the continued humanitarian challenges in the Gaza Strip were discussed. The two leaders expressed concern over the situation, calling for ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians. “They welcomed the signing of the first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan”, reaffirmed their “support for efforts to restore peace and stability”, while underlining “the need for a just and lasting resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.” The two sides also expressed their support for “establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.”
Prime Minister Modi and Sultan Haitham emphasised the need for fighting terror in all its forms and manifestations and underlined a shared commitment towards cooperation in the field of fighting terrorism and combating radicalism and extremism. They reaffirmed that under no circumstances can any justification ever be accepted for acts of terrorism underlining the shared understanding of the scourge of terrorism.
Prime Minister Modi’s second official visit to Oman also coincided with the 70th year of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations and underlined the continued importance of India-Oman bilateral relations. It further emphasises the importance of the Gulf region in India’s international relations and foreign policy. Above all, it signifies the strengthening of India’s engagements with the Middle East and the continued importance of Oman as a regional partner of India.
Post read questions
Assess the strategic significance of Oman in India’s Gulf policy in the backdrop of changing regional dynamics in West Asia. How does the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) reflect India’s evolving trade strategy in the Gulf region?
Maritime cooperation forms the backbone of India–Oman strategic relations. Examine the significance of maritime security, blue economy, and coastal security cooperation between the two countries.
How does India–Oman defence cooperation align with India’s goal of becoming a defence manufacturing hub? Evaluate the scope and challenges of this partnership.
Oman’s role as a regional arbiter contributes to India’s strategic interests in West Asia. Critically analyse this statement.
India’s healthcare outreach has become an instrument of soft power in the Global South. Analyse this in the context of India–Oman cooperation in traditional medicine and modern healthcare.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi being conferred with the Order of Oman, the sultanate’s distinct civilian honour, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in Muscat, Thursday. (PTI) 
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