Prime Minister Narendra Modi added another historic milestone to India’s global diplomacy as Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik conferred upon him ‘The First Class of the Order of Oman,’ the country’s highest civilian honour.
The award marked PM Modi’s 29th international recognition, underscoring his expanding stature as a global statesman and India’s rising diplomatic influence.
The honour places PM Modi among a rare league of world leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, Emperor Akihito, and King Abdullah of Jordan.
Oman bestowed the award during Modi’s official visit to Muscat, reflecting deep mutual trust and a rapidly strengthening India-Oman strategic partnership.
Just days earlier, PM Modi had received Ethiopia’s highest civilian decoration, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, further reinforcing the momentum of India’s Africa and Gulf outreach.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conferred the honour in Addis Ababa for Modi’s visionary leadership and his role in elevating bilateral relations.
In Muscat, PM Modi held extensive talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at the Al Baraka Palace, where both leaders moved decisively to add new depth to their partnership.
The discussions culminated in the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a deal both sides hailed as a transformational milestone.
The agreement aims to unlock trade, boost investments, and integrate supply chains across key sectors.
PM Modi and the Sultan reviewed cooperation in defence, energy security, maritime collaboration, agriculture, technology, innovation, and people-to-people ties.
They also exchanged views on pressing regional and global developments, reinforcing their shared commitment to stability and growth in the Indian Ocean region.
Warm Welcome and Strong Diaspora Connect
Senior Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, joined the high-level engagements, signalling the strategic weight New Delhi places on Muscat.
Addressing the Indian diaspora at Maitri Parv and later speaking at the India-Oman Business Forum, PM Modi called on Omani investors to explore India’s expanding economic opportunities.
He highlighted India’s reform-driven growth, digital infrastructure, and manufacturing push as powerful magnets for global capital.
PM Modi’s arrival in Oman drew a ceremonial Guard of Honour and an emotional welcome from the Indian community, whose chants and flags reflected strong people-to-people bonds.
The visit gained added significance as India and Oman celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, rooted in maritime history and shared regional interests.
With strategic agreements signed and honours exchanged, PM Modi’s Oman visit sent a clear signal: India’s Gulf diplomacy has entered a confident, high-impact phase.
Also Read: PM Modi, Oman Sultan Hold Talks In Muscat To Boost Cooperation Across Key Sectors
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