Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman from December 17–18, 2025, at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations as the two countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Prime Minister Modi was received on arrival by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. On December 18, he met Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at Al Baraka Palace, where the two leaders held extensive consultations on strengthening cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the excellent state of India–Oman relations, describing them as a multifaceted strategic partnership encompassing trade, investment, defence, security, energy, technology, education, culture, agriculture, space, and people-to-people ties. The leaders reviewed progress made under the Joint Vision Document adopted during Sultan Haitham’s state visit to India in December 2023 and reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi praised Oman’s economic diversification and sustainable development under Vision 2040, while the Omani leadership commended India’s sustained economic growth and its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Both sides noted strong synergies between their national development strategies and agreed to work closely in areas of mutual interest.

A major highlight of the visit was the signing of the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), described by both leaders as a landmark step in bilateral economic relations. The agreement is expected to boost trade by reducing barriers, enhancing investment flows, creating jobs, and unlocking opportunities across major sectors, including textiles, automobiles, chemicals, fertilizers, and industrial equipment.

The two sides also discussed expanding investment cooperation in priority areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, food security, logistics, and hospitality. They noted the strong potential of the Oman–India Joint Investment Fund to facilitate further investments and welcomed progress on the Bilateral Investment Treaty. Discussions also included exploring mechanisms for bilateral trade in local currencies.

Energy cooperation featured prominently in the talks, with both countries agreeing to deepen collaboration in conventional energy as well as renewable and sustainable energy sectors. They expressed interest in joint projects related to green hydrogen, green ammonia, upstream exploration, and technology transfer, aligning with their shared climate and sustainability goals.

In the defence and security domain, the leaders welcomed the growing cooperation between their armed forces, including joint exercises, training programs, and high-level exchanges. They also adopted a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation, underscoring their shared commitment to regional maritime security, combating piracy, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and promoting the blue economy.

Health, education, agriculture, and technology were identified as key pillars of future cooperation. The two sides welcomed the signing of memoranda of understanding in agriculture and allied sectors, higher education, maritime heritage and museums, and cooperation between business chambers. They also agreed to enhance collaboration in millet cultivation, digital infrastructure, IT services, space applications, and traditional medicine, including proposals to establish an Ayush chair in Oman.

Cultural and people-to-people ties were highlighted as a cornerstone of the relationship. Both sides welcomed initiatives such as the “Legacy of Indo-Oman Relations” exhibition, cooperation in cultural digitization, and plans to establish an ICCR Chair of Indian Studies at Sohar University. The upcoming maiden voyage of INSV Kaundinya to Oman was also noted as a symbol of shared maritime heritage.

On regional and global issues, the two leaders exchanged views and condemned terrorism in all its forms. They expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, called for the safe and timely delivery of aid to civilians, welcomed the first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan, and reaffirmed support for a just and lasting solution, including the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.

Prime Minister Modi thanked Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation and invited the Sultan to visit India at a mutually convenient time, reaffirming the strong and enduring partnership between the two maritime neighbors. (ILKHA)