India–Oman Ties Take Centre Stage As PM Modi Begins Muscat Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Muscat on Wednesday, marking the third and final leg of his three-nation diplomatic tour and placing the spotlight firmly on India’s strategic engagement in the Gulf.

Omani Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, received the Prime Minister at the airport, where a ceremonial Guard of Honour underscored the significance Muscat attaches to the visit.

The arrival highlighted the steady expansion of India-Oman relations.

This is PM Modi’s second visit to the Sultanate, following his earlier trip in 2018, and it comes at a particularly symbolic moment, the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Landed in Muscat, Oman. This is a land of enduring friendship and deep historical connections with India. This visit offers an opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration and add fresh momentum to our partnership.”

The visit also builds on the momentum generated by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s state visit to India in December 2023, reflecting sustained high-level political engagement.

During his stay, Prime Minister Modi will hold comprehensive discussions with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, covering the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation.

The talks are expected to focus on trade and investment, energy security, defence and maritime cooperation, technology partnerships, agriculture, and cultural exchanges.

The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global developments, including stability in the Gulf and the broader Indian Ocean region.

MEA Highlights Historical Depth of Bilateral Relations

Briefing the media ahead of the visit, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, said PM Modi’s visit reflects the enduring strength of India-Oman ties.

He noted that the relationship draws from centuries-old maritime links, commercial exchanges, and deep people-to-people connections.

Chatterjee added that the Prime Minister will conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with the Omani leadership and discuss international issues of shared concern.

The Prime Minister will also address a business forum bringing together Indian and Omani industry leaders, to expand commercial partnerships and attract fresh investment.

In addition, PM Modi is scheduled to interact with the Indian community in Oman, recognising their contribution to Oman’s economic growth and their role as a bridge between the two countries.

India and Oman maintain a comprehensive strategic partnership, anchored in close cooperation on energy, defence, maritime security, and regional stability.

Oman continues to be a vital partner for India in the Gulf, particularly in safeguarding sea lanes and advancing energy security.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Oman after concluding a high-profile state visit to Ethiopia, where he addressed the Ethiopian Parliament, held bilateral talks, and received the country’s highest civilian honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.

In a rare diplomatic gesture, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally drove PM Modi to the airport, highlighting the warmth of bilateral ties.

As PM Modi begins his engagements in Muscat, the message is clear: India is strengthening strategic partnerships across regions, with Oman emerging as a key pillar in its Gulf diplomacy.

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