PM Modi arrives in Oman for final leg of three-nation tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Muscat on Wednesday for the concluding leg of his three-nation tour. He was received by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said. This marks Modi’s second visit to Oman, home to nearly 7 lakh Indians.

By Gulf Correspondent

Dubai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Oman on Wednesday, marking the final leg of his significant three-nation tour. The Indian PM and his accompanying delegation were welcomed by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said at the airport in Muscat.

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During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold high-level talks with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. Discussions are expected to focus on the finalisation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), alongside enhancing cooperation in energy security, defence, and maritime trade. This visit underscores the deep-rooted strategic partnership and the shared vision for regional stability between the two nations.

India is expected to ink an important trade agreement, CEPA, with Oman. The CEPA aims to enhance trade between the two countries by eliminating or reducing trade barriers including customs duties and para-tariffs on goods of origin in both countries.

Commenting on this, Indian Ambassador to Oman, GV Srinivas said that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) or as many call, Free Trade Agreement (FTA), between India and Oman, has been under discussion for the past two years.

“Both sides have gone through a lot of details about the respective areas of interest to each other. We are only hopeful that this Agreement will be concluded at the earliest opportunity,” local media quoted him in Oman.

India exported goods worth Omani Riyals 1,076.9 million and imported Omani Riyals 528.7 million until the end of last September, according to Omani official statistics.

This is the second visit by Modi to Oman, where 7 lakh Indians live.