Muscat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India will arrive in Muscat on Wednesday for an official two-day visit to the Sultanate of Oman.
During this trip, he is scheduled to engage in discussions with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Accompanying the Prime Minister will be an official delegation from the Indian Government.
The Republic of India is the sixth-largest trading partner with the Sultanate of Oman in terms of total exports.
The volume of trade exchange between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India reached approximately OMR 1,000,627,000 by the end of last September.
Issa Saleh Al Shaibani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of India, stated that Omani-Indian relations are distinguished by historical depth and a renewed strategic vision, having witnessed a qualitative shift in recent years.
Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "Omani-Indian relations are a model for fruitful cooperation, with India being one of Oman's largest trading partners.”
Ahead of Modi’s visit, India’s Ambassador to Oman, GV Srinivas, emphasised the robust partnership between Oman and New Delhi.
He stated, “With bilateral trade exceeding $10 billion, we are expanding our collaboration into future-oriented sectors such as green hydrogen and sustainable development.” The Ambassador believes that the Prime Minister's timely visit will enhance the relationship between the two nations, with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) potentially doubling trade in the next five years.
Ambassador Srinivas remarked, “This is the second visit by Prime Minister Modi in eight years. Two years ago, His Majesty the Sultan visited India. Leadership from both sides will offer guidance and support for overall growth, particularly in trade and economic sectors. We are optimistic that this visit will further solidify our relationship across various domains.”
Discussing the India-Oman Free Trade Agreement, the Ambassador noted significant progress made over the past two years. He stated, “Economic ties serve as a strong foundation for our partnership. Over the last 5,000 years, the India-Oman relationship has evolved organically, with both countries engaging on multiple fronts. This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, although business interactions have been ongoing for 200-250 years.”
He continued, “Both sides are committed to creating a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, and we anticipate some advancements in this area soon.”
The Ambassador highlighted Indian investments in sectors such as metallurgy and steel, as well as emerging industries like green hydrogen. He also noted the importance of people-to-people connections in education and capacity building, mentioning the substantial Indian diaspora of 675,000 in Oman contributing to the nation’s economic development.
The Prime Minister's agenda is packed, including participation in a business summit and interactions with Indian students. “During his meeting with His Majesty the Sultan for delegation-level talks, preparations for the Business Summit are underway. PM Modi will also engage with the Indian community and students. Notably, the CBSE education system is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Oman, and discussions regarding this milestone will also take place,” he added.
The Ambassador stressed that the relationship is well-established, encompassing all sectors, including political, defense, and security, with regular joint exercises among the three branches of the armed forces.
This visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman and follows the Sultan of Oman’s state visit to India in December 2023. The Prime Minister will focus on his five pillars: talent, tradition, tourism, trade, and technology.
