Thursday 18 / December / 2025
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, issued a joint statement welcoming the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. They affirmed that it represents a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations and stated that it will generate substantial opportunities across major economic sectors, foster economic growth, and enhance the flow of investments between the two countries.
The following is the full text of the joint statement issued on the occasion of the official visit of the Prime Minister of India to the Sultanate of Oman on 17-18 December 2025.
“At the gracious invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, paid an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman from 17 to 18 December 2025. His Majesty received the Prime Minister at Al Barakah Palace and the Prime Minister also met with a number of senior Omani officials.
The visit is of particular significance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister's visit follows the landmark State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Republic of India in December 2023.
His Majesty the Sultan and the Prime Minister of India held official talks. They expressed satisfaction with the excellent state of bilateral relations spanning diverse fields, especially trade, investment, defence, security, technology, education, energy, space, agriculture, culture, and people-to-people ties. They reviewed initiatives and ongoing cooperation in the areas outlined in the Joint Vision document adopted during His Majesty the Sultan's visit to India in December 2023.
Both sides noted that the relationship between the two nations is historical and has matured into a multi-faceted strategic partnership. The Indian side expressed admiration for the economic diversification and sustainable development achieved by the Sultanate of Oman under 'Oman Vision 2040'. The Omani side commended India's sustained economic growth and its national goal, 'Viksit Bharat', of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Both sides noted that trade and commerce form a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation and affirmed the potential for further growth and diversification. They highlighted the vast potential to enhance trade in numerous areas, including textiles, vehicles, chemicals, equipment, and fertilisers.
Both sides welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a major step forward in economic relations. The leaders encouraged the private sector to utilise its provisions. They stated that the CEPA will boost bilateral trade by reducing barriers, establishing a sustainable framework, creating opportunities across economic sectors, spurring economic growth, and increasing investment flows between the two friendly countries.
Both sides expressed keen interest in exploring investment opportunities in priority sectors of mutual interest, including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, hospitality, and others.
Recognising the successful track record of the Oman-India Joint Investment Fund, both sides saw significant potential to expand and facilitate investments. The leaders took note of discussions on exploring mechanisms to facilitate bilateral trade in local currencies.
They also welcomed the steady progress on the Bilateral Investment Treaty and noted its potential to bolster economic cooperation and create a robust, investor-friendly environment. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen their bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction with the growth of bilateral trade in this area, they agreed on the immense potential for further enhancement.
Both sides affirmed their commitment to supporting their respective companies in deepening energy cooperation. This includes collaboration on exploration and production opportunities in India and globally, as well as cooperation in new and renewable energy, specifically in green ammonia and green hydrogen.
The two sides noted the synergy in their sustainable energy goals and suggested pursuing joint investments, technology transfer, and long-term cooperation.
Both sides commended the depth of their defence cooperation and agreed to continue working together through joint exercises, training, and high-level visits to achieve shared objectives and contribute to regional security and stability. They also agreed to undertake joint initiatives to combat maritime crime and piracy by enhancing maritime domain awareness and facilitating continuous information exchange.
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 highlighted health cooperation as a vital pillar of their partnership and expressed interest in strengthening it further. They took note of ongoing discussions and initiatives, including a proposal to establish a Chair of Ayurveda at the National University of Science and Technology and the creation of an information cell to facilitate cooperation in traditional medicine.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to agricultural cooperation and welcomed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding in agriculture and related sectors to enhance collaboration in agricultural sciences, animal husbandry, and aquaculture. They also agreed to promote cooperation in millet cultivation through training and scientific exchange.
Both sides acknowledged the growing cooperation in technology, including IT services, digital infrastructure, and space applications. They expressed satisfaction with the deepening cultural cooperation and strengthening of people-to-people bonds, welcoming the joint exhibition titled "Legacy of Oman-India Relations". They also took note of ongoing discussions on initiatives for the digitalisation of culture.
They further noted the initiative to establish an Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair for Indian Studies at Sohar University, which would enhance cultural relations and student exchange.
Both sides welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Heritage and Museums, enabling cooperation between museums, including the organisation of joint exhibitions and research. They noted the upcoming maiden voyage of the Indian sailing vessel “INSV Tarini” to Oman, focusing on shared maritime traditions.
The two sides noted their continuing cooperation in education and scientific exchange, including the envisaged Knowledge Dialogue between Oman and India. The MoU on Higher Education will be instrumental in facilitating faculty and student exchanges, institutional collaboration, and joint research.
They also noted the ongoing capacity-building initiatives, including those under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. The Omani side expressed interest in cooperation in the aviation sector and air traffic management, including increasing destinations and codeshare provisions, and the Indian side noted this interest.
Both sides observed that the centuries-old people-to-people ties form a bedrock of the historical relationship between Oman and India. India expressed its appreciation for Oman's consistent care and support for the 675,000-strong Indian community residing in the Sultanate of Oman. The Omani side acknowledged the contributions of the Indian community to Oman's development.
The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterated that no justification can ever be acceptable for such acts. They also emphasised the importance of continued cooperation in this field.
The leaders expressed profound concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for the timely and safe delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians. They welcomed the signing of the first phase of the Gaza peace plan and reaffirmed their support for it.
The leaders also affirmed their support for efforts to restore peace and stability, underscoring the necessity of a just and lasting solution through dialogue and diplomacy, including the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state.
During the visit, the following documents were signed and exchanged: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), 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 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 sincere gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He extended an invitation to His Majesty the Sultan to undertake an official visit to India at a mutually convenient time.”
