Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, welcomed in a joint statement the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, affirming that it constitutes an important step in bilateral economic relations. They noted that it will create opportunities in major economic sectors, enhance economic growth, and increase the flow of investments between the two countries.
The following is the text of the statement issued on the occasion of the official visit paid by His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Republic of India to the Sultanate of Oman on December 17 and 18:
In response to a gracious invitation from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, paid an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman from December 17 to 18, 2025. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, may God protect and preserve him, received His Excellency the Prime Minister at Al Barakah Palace, in addition to his meetings with a number of senior officials in the Sultanate of Oman.
This visit is of special significance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit of the Indian Prime Minister comes following the state visit paid by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the friendly Republic of India in December 2023.
His Majesty the Sultan and His Excellency the Indian Prime Minister held an official session of talks, during which they expressed their satisfaction with the excellent level of bilateral relations covering various fields, notably trade, investment, defence, security, technology, education, energy, space, agriculture, culture and people-to-people relations. They also reviewed the initiatives and ongoing cooperation in the areas identified in the Joint Vision Document adopted during His Majesty the Sultan’s visit to India in December 2023.
The two sides noted that the relationship between the two neighbouring countries is historical and has evolved into a multifaceted strategic partnership. The Indian side expressed its admiration for the economic diversification and sustainable development achieved by the Sultanate of Oman within the framework of Oman Vision 2040. The Omani side praised the sustainable economic growth achieved by India and its goal, under the “Viksit Bharat” vision, to become a developed country by 2047. The two sides noted that trade and commercial exchange constitute a fundamental pillar of bilateral cooperation and affirmed the possibility of achieving further growth and diversification in bilateral trade, as well as the vast potential the two countries possess to enhance trade in many areas, including textiles, vehicles, chemicals, equipment and fertilisers.
The two sides welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which constitutes an important step in bilateral economic relations. The two leaders encouraged the private sector to benefit from it, noting that it will contribute to increasing bilateral trade by reducing trade barriers and establishing a sustainable framework. It will create opportunities in economic sectors, enhance economic growth, and increase the flow of investments between the two friendly countries.
The two sides expressed their interest in exploring investment opportunities in priority sectors of mutual interest, including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, hospitality and other sectors.
The two sides noted that, in light of the successful track record of the Oman–India Joint Investment Fund, there is significant potential to enhance and facilitate investments. The two leaders also took note of discussions related to exploring mechanisms to facilitate bilateral trade using local currencies.
They welcomed the continued progress in the bilateral investment treaty and noted its potential to enhance economic cooperation and create a strong and investor-friendly environment. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction with the growth of bilateral trade in this field, they agreed that there is vast potential to further enhance it.
The two sides expressed their keenness to support their companies to increase cooperation in the energy sector, including cooperation in exploration and production opportunities in India and globally, as well as cooperation in new and renewable energy, including green ammonia and green hydrogen.
The two sides noted the synergy between their sustainable energy goals and proposed entering into joint investments, technology transfer and long-term cooperation.
The two sides praised the depth of cooperation in the defence sector and agreed to continue working together in this regard, including through joint exercises, training and high-level visits to achieve common objectives and contribute to maintaining regional security and stability. They also agreed to undertake joint initiatives to prevent maritime crimes and piracy by enhancing maritime domain awareness and facilitating the continuous exchange of information.
During the visit, the two sides adopted a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation, reflecting their shared commitment to regional maritime security, the blue economy and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
The two sides focused on cooperation in the health sector as one of the important pillars of the partnership and expressed their interest in strengthening cooperation in this field. They took note of ongoing discussions and initiatives, including a proposal to establish an Ayurveda Chair at the National University of Science and Technology and the establishment of an information cell to facilitate cooperation in traditional medicine.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in the field of agriculture and welcomed the signing of memoranda of understanding in agriculture and related sectors to enhance cooperation in agricultural sciences, animal husbandry and aquaculture. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in millet cultivation through training and scientific exchange.
The two sides noted the growing cooperation in the field of technology, including information technology services, digital infrastructure and space applications. They expressed satisfaction with the deepening of cultural cooperation and the strengthening of people-to-people ties. They welcomed the joint exhibition titled “Legacy of Omani–Indian Relations” and took note of ongoing discussions on cultural digitisation initiatives.
They also took note of the initiative to cooperate in establishing a programme for an Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair for Indian Studies at Sohar University, which would enhance cultural relations and student exchange between the two countries.
The two sides welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on maritime heritage and museums, which enables cooperation between museums, including organising exhibitions and joint research. They also noted the upcoming first voyage of the Indian sailing vessel Kaundinya to the Sultanate of Oman, focusing on shared maritime traditions.
The two sides noted the continued cooperation in the field of education and scientific exchange, including the forthcoming Knowledge Dialogue between the Sultanate of Oman and India. The memorandum of understanding in higher education will be a key factor in facilitating the exchange of faculty members and students, institutional cooperation and the enhancement of joint research.
The two sides also noted ongoing capacity-building initiatives, including those carried out under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme. The Omani side expressed its interest in cooperation in the aviation sector and air traffic management, including the number of destinations and code-sharing arrangements, and the Indian side took note of this interest.
The two sides noted that people-to-people relations, which date back centuries, represent a fundamental pillar of the historical relations between the Sultanate of Oman and India. India expressed its appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman for its continued care and support for the Indian community of 675,000 residents in the Sultanate. The Omani side expressed its appreciation for the contributions of the Indian community to Oman’s development.
The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed that there can be no acceptable justification for such acts. They also stressed the importance of continued cooperation in this field.
The two leaders expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for the timely and safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians. They welcomed the signing of the first phase of the Gaza peace plan and reaffirmed their support for the plan.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their support for efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability and stressed the need to reach a just and lasting solution through dialogue and diplomacy, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
During the visit, memoranda of understanding and agreements were signed and exchanged, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement; a memorandum of understanding on maritime heritage and museums; a memorandum of understanding on agriculture and related sectors; a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in higher education; a memorandum of understanding between the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry; the announcement of the Joint Maritime Vision Document; and an executive programme for cooperation in millet cultivation in the Sultanate of Oman.
The Prime Minister of India expressed his thanks to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, may God protect and preserve him, for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and his accompanying delegation. He extended an invitation to His Majesty the Sultan to pay an official visit to India at a time convenient to both sides.
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