New Delhi/Muscat,
18 December (H.S.):
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a landmark bilateral meeting today with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at the Royal Palace in Muscat, reaffirming the enduring depth and vitality of the India–Oman Strategic Partnership. The meeting, marked by warmth and mutual respect, underscored the shared resolve of both nations to reinforce their centuries-old relationship with a forward-looking agenda of cooperation in trade, energy, technology, education, and cultural heritage.
Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon arrival at the Royal Palace, symbolising the strength of bilateral ties and Oman’s traditional hospitality. The two leaders engaged in both one-on-one and delegation-level discussions, reviewing the full spectrum of India–Oman relations and outlining fresh directions for collaboration.
A Landmark Moment in Bilateral Relations
The meeting carried special significance as India and Oman celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations this year — a milestone reflecting decades of friendship, trust, and mutual growth. Both leaders welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), describing it as a transformative development that would deepen economic integration and open new avenues of trade, investment, and employment.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that bilateral trade has already crossed USD 10 billion, and two-way investment flows continue to grow steadily. He emphasized that CEPA will serve as a catalyst for economic expansion, encouraging industries across manufacturing, energy, logistics, and digital services to explore joint opportunities.
Energy and Green Growth at the Core
Acknowledging the strategic dimension of energy cooperation, both sides agreed to give new impetus to collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and green ammonia. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Oman’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance and extended invitations to participate in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuel Alliance, further aligning sustainability efforts between the two nations.
The discussions also touched upon opportunities in long-term energy supply partnerships, technology transfer, and research collaborations aimed at enhancing energy security and advancing the transition to cleaner fuels.
Expanding Cooperation Across Key Sectors
Prime Minister Modi and Sultan Haitham identified agriculture, food security, manufacturing, digital technologies, critical minerals, and space cooperation as priority areas for new initiatives.
Both leaders recognised that closer partnerships in agricultural science, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and millet cultivation could deliver shared benefits, particularly in ensuring resilient food systems and innovation in sustainable farming.Education also featured prominently in the dialogue. The leaders agreed that faculty exchanges, academic collaboration, and joint research would enhance mutual understanding and empower young talent in both nations.
In the field of financial services, discussions focused on integrating India’s UPI system with Oman’s digital payments infrastructure, exploring RuPay card adoption, and facilitating trade transactions in local currencies to strengthen financial connectivity.
Prime Minister Modi also underlined the potential for cooperation in fertiliser production and agricultural research, calling these areas “win-win opportunities” that can contribute to long-term food and industrial security.
Deepening Defence, Cultural, and People-to-People Ties
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defence and security cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain, consistent with their shared interest in peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
Prime Minister Modi conveyed his appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haitham for his continuous support for the welfare of the large Indian community residing in Oman. He noted that the Indian diaspora has played a vital role in strengthening cultural and economic bridges between the two countries.
The leaders also discussed a series of new bilateral initiatives focused on maritime heritage, language promotion, youth exchanges, and sports cooperation. They welcomed enhanced collaboration between maritime museums, joint exhibitions, and expertise sharing to celebrate their shared maritime legacy.
Both sides expressed pride in the alignment between Oman Vision 2040 and India’s developmental vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, pledging mutual support in achieving the aspirations of their peoples.
Shared Perspective on Regional and Global Affairs
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments, reaffirming their commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. They recognised the importance of close cooperation to address contemporary global challenges, including climate change, supply chain resilience, and sustainable development.
On the occasion of Prime Minister Modi’s visit, the two sides formalised several key agreements in addition to CEPA — including MoUs on Maritime Heritage, Education, Agriculture, and Millet Cultivation — laying a strong institutional foundation for future collaboration.
A Renewed Strategic Horizon
Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik marks not only a reaffirmation of historical friendship but also the articulation of a visionary roadmap for the next chapter of India–Oman relations. The shared focus on economic expansion, green growth, and human development signals a partnership grounded in trust, progress, and global responsibility.
As the two nations work together towards their centennial milestones — Oman Vision 2040 and Viksit Bharat 2047 — their enduring maritime friendship stands poised to steer the region towards a horizon of peace, prosperity, and shared destiny.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
