CEPA and MoUs Highlight India-Oman Strategic Partnership
Muscat – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at the Royal Palace in Muscat, where he received a warm ceremonial welcome upon arrival.
The two leaders held both one-on-one and delegation-level discussions, reviewing the robust India–Oman Strategic Partnership. This meeting comes at a significant moment, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
During the talks, both leaders welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), describing it as a landmark development set to further strengthen bilateral ties. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that with bilateral trade surpassing US$ 10 billion, CEPA will boost trade and investment, create employment, and open new opportunities for both countries.
Energy cooperation featured prominently on the agenda, with discussions on long-term energy arrangements, renewable energy ventures, and green hydrogen and green ammonia projects. The Prime Minister appreciated Oman’s participation in the International Solar Alliance and extended invitations to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuel Alliance.
The leaders also explored agricultural cooperation, including initiatives in agricultural science, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and millet cultivation, as well as educational collaboration through faculty and researcher exchanges. Additional areas of partnership discussed included food security, manufacturing, digital technologies, critical minerals, logistics, human-capital development, space cooperation, and financial services, including UPI integration and local currency trade.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized fertilizer and agricultural research as mutually beneficial areas for joint investment. Defense and security collaboration, particularly in the maritime domain, was reaffirmed, alongside support for the welfare of the Indian community in Oman.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties, with new initiatives planned in maritime heritage, language promotion, youth exchanges, and sports. They also underscored collaboration on cultural heritage, including maritime museums and exchange of artefacts and expertise.
Notably, the leaders welcomed the alignment of Oman Vision 2040 with India’s goal of achieving a developed nation status (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, expressing mutual support for the aspirations of their peoples. Regional and global developments were also discussed, with a shared commitment to peace and stability reaffirmed.
In addition to CEPA, the two sides signed MoUs and arrangements in maritime heritage, education, agriculture, and millet cultivation.
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