Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday concluded a landmark visit to Oman, leaving Muscat with a powerful image of warmth and strategic depth that underscored the evolving India-Oman partnership.
As PM Modi boarded his flight for New Delhi, Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s brother and Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, personally bid him farewell at the airport, folding his hands in a traditional Namaste, a gesture that captured the spirit of mutual respect between the two nations.
More Than Protocol: A Visit Rich in Substance
The farewell symbolised more than protocol. It reflected the success of a visit that blended diplomacy, economic ambition, and cultural connection.
Earlier, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik conferred the First Class of the Order of Oman on Prime Minister Modi, recognising his exceptional contribution to strengthening India-Oman relations and his stature as a global statesman.
The honour, instituted in 1970 by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, places PM Modi among an elite group of world leaders including Queen Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela, Emperor Akihito, and King Abdullah of Jordan. This marks PM Modi’s 29th international honour, reinforcing his global diplomatic standing.
Accepting the award, PM Modi dedicated it to the historic friendship between India and Oman and to the shared goodwill between the people of both countries.
The timing added weight to the moment, as the visit coincided with the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations, lending fresh momentum to the India-Oman Strategic Partnership.
Substantive outcomes followed symbolism. PM Modi and Sultan Haitham held detailed talks at the Al Baraka Palace, focusing on expanding cooperation across defence, security, trade, energy, agriculture, technology, and emerging sectors.
Both leaders welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), describing it as a milestone that would unlock new trade opportunities, strengthen energy security, and deepen long-term strategic cooperation.
The Prime Minister also engaged directly with economic and community stakeholders. At the India-Oman Business Forum, PM Modi highlighted the vast potential for deeper commercial ties and invited Omani businesses to invest and innovate in India.
At the Maitri Parv event, he addressed the Indian diaspora, praising their role as a living bridge between the two nations.
Final Leg of Three-Nation Tour
This was PM Modi’s second visit to Oman and the final leg of his three-nation tour, following a high-profile state visit to Ethiopia.
From ceremonial honours to hard economic agreements, the Oman visit demonstrated India’s ability to convert goodwill into concrete outcomes.
As Prime Minister Modi departed Muscat, the handshake, embrace, and Namaste at the tarmac sent a clear message: India and Oman are no longer just historic partners; they are aligned strategic allies shaping the future together.
Also Read: PM Modi, Oman Sultan Deepen Maritime Cooperation & Strategic Partnership
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