The conferment of the honour during the Prime Minister’s visit to Oman, coinciding with the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, imparted special significance to the occasion and to the Strategic Partnership.

 

The Prime Minister has dedicated the honour to the age-old friendship between both countries and called it a tribute to the warmth and affection between the 1.4 billion people of India and the people of Oman.

 

Earlier, India and Oman marked a significant milestone in their bilateral economic relations by signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement – CEPA, today. It will be a harbinger that will allow a fair and predictable regime and labour mobility for India’s workforce while fully respecting Oman’s sovereign employment policy. 

 

The agreement was signed by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal and his Oman counterpart, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Qais Al Yousef, in the presence of the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

 

Both the top leaders welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as a milestone in bilateral ties, affirming that it would significantly strengthen the India-Oman strategic partnership.

 

This is Oman’s second Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after 20 years with a country directly that demonstrates the importance Oman gives to India as a friendly Nation. It will create more jobs, better market access for businesses and greater economic opportunities for both countries. The two sides also signed MoUs in the fields of maritime heritage, education, agriculture, and millet cultivation. 

 

The Prime Minister discussed strategic issues of mutual interest with him at the Royal Palace, where he was warmly received by the Sultan and accorded a ceremonial welcome.

 

Both the leaders met in one-on-one and delegation-level formats. They comprehensively reviewed the multifaceted India-Oman Strategic Partnership and appreciated the steady growth in bilateral ties.

 

They noted that the visit holds special significance for India-Oman ties as the two countries are celebrating 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

 

Both exchanged views on a broad range of topics, including defence, security, trade & investment, energy, agriculture, technology, new and emerging areas, culture and people-to-people ties, among others. They also discussed issues of regional and global interest.

 

Earlier, at the Business Forum, which was attended by industry representatives from India and Oman, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the rich potential to deepen economic linkages. He also invited businesses from Oman to invest and innovate in India.

 

The Prime Minister also addressed a large gathering of Indian community members in Muscat. The audience included more than 700 students from various Indian schools. This year holds special significance for Indian schools in Oman, as they celebrate 50 years of their establishment in the country.

 

Addressing the enthusiastic gathering, he said that diversity is the foundation of Indian culture, and Indian values help people assimilate in any society they become a part of. Speaking of how well the Indian community is regarded in Oman, the Prime Minister also thanked Sultan of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, for his all-out support for the welfare of the community.

 

Explaining the transformational changes in the last 11 years in India in various fields, he stated that India is preparing itself for the 21st century through developing a world-class innovation, startup, and Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem.

 

He conveyed India’s deep commitment for welfare of the diaspora. He called upon the youth to dream big, learn deeply, and innovate boldly, so that they can contribute meaningfully to humanity.

 

The Prime Minister affirmed that the India-Oman partnership was making itself future-ready through AI collaboration, digital learning, innovation partnership, and entrepreneurship exchange.