New Delhi/Muscat, 18 December (H.S.): In a gesture symbolising the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between India and Oman, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Thursday conferred the nation’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Order of Oman,’ upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his exceptional contribution to the deepening of India–Oman relations and his visionary global leadership.
The distinguished recognition was presented to Prime Minister Modi during his official visit to Muscat, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The honour added further significance to an already historic occasion celebrating seven decades of trust, shared heritage, and growing collaboration.
Expressing gratitude for the prestigious recognition, Prime Minister Modi dedicated the award to the centuries-old friendship between the people of India and Oman, describing it as a tribute to the warmth, goodwill, and mutual respect that have long defined bilateral ties.
“This honour,” the Prime Minister remarked, “belongs to 1.4 billion Indians and reflects the affection and partnership between our peoples.”Instituted in 1970 by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Order of Oman is the Sultanate’s highest order of distinction, conferred upon select global statesmen and leaders who have made distinguished contributions to public service, diplomacy, and the strengthening of international relations.
The conferment of the honour on Prime Minister Modi reinforces the transformational momentum that has marked India–Oman relations in recent years, encompassing trade, energy, culture, and defence cooperation. The award serves as a recognition of India’s growing leadership role in global affairs and of the deep personal rapport shared between the two nations’ leaders.
The ceremony concludes a series of high-level engagements during Prime Minister Modi’s visit, which has seen path-breaking developments including the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), multiple Memoranda of Understanding, and the reaffirmation of a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and progress in the region.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
