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India-Oman CEPA to Boost Trade, Offer Duty-Free Access for 98% Exports

Union Minister Piyush Goyal discussed unlocking opportunities under the proposed India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with his Omani counterpart. The agreement, signed in December 2025, is expected to grant duty-free access to the Omani market for about 98% of India's exports, including textiles and leather goods. In return, India will reduce tariffs on key Omani exports like dates and petrochemicals. This high-level engagement is part of India's broader strategy to expand its economic footprint in the Gulf region.

Key Points: India-Oman CEPA to Unlock Trade & Investment: Goyal

  • CEPA to offer duty-free access for 98% Indian exports
  • India to reduce tariffs on Omani dates, marble
  • Bilateral trade reached $10.5bn in 2024-25
  • Part of India's push to deepen Gulf economic ties
2 min read

India-Oman CEPA to unlock new trade, investment opportunities: Piyush Goyal

India & Oman discuss implementing CEPA for mutual growth. Deal offers duty-free access for 98% of Indian exports like textiles & leather.

"Discussed unlocking opportunities under the India-Oman CEPA to boost bilateral trade and investment ties - Piyush Goyal"

New Delhi, April 13

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said that India and Oman have discussed unlocking opportunities under the proposed CEPA to boost bilateral trade and investment ties for the mutual growth of both nations.

The minister shared details of his telephonic conversation with Oman's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Anwar bin Hilal bin Hamdoun Al Jabri, stating that both sides explored ways to deepen economic engagement between the two countries.

In a post on social media platform X, Goyal said the discussions focused on leveraging the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance trade flows and investment opportunities.

The agreement, signed in Muscat in December 2025, is yet to be implemented but is expected to significantly strengthen economic ties once it comes into force.

"Held a telecall with H.E. Anwar bin Hilal bin Hamdoun Al Jabri, Oman's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion," Goyal said.

"Discussed unlocking opportunities under the India-Oman CEPA to boost bilateral trade and investment ties for the mutual growth of both nations," he added.

Under the proposed CEPA, about 98 per cent of India's exports -- including textiles, agricultural products and leather goods -- are set to receive duty-free access to the Oman market.

In return, India will reduce tariffs on key Omanese exports such as dates, marble and petrochemical products, paving the way for more balanced trade.

The latest engagement is part of a series of high-level interactions by Goyal with key partners in the Gulf region.

In recent days, he has held discussions with trade ministers from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait to expand India's economic footprint in West Asia.

India and Oman share a strong and longstanding trade relationship, with bilateral trade reaching about $10.5 billion in 2024-25.

Of this, India's exports stood at around $4 billion, while imports were valued at $6.54 billion.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see focus on balanced trade. We get access for our products, and we get Omani dates and marble at better prices. Win-win. Our government is actively engaging with the Gulf, which is crucial for energy security too.
R
Rohit P
The trade deficit is still tilted towards Oman ($2.5bn+). While CEPA is good, we need to ensure our industries are competitive enough to truly exploit the 98% duty-free access. Simply signing agreements isn't enough.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in export logistics, this is welcome news. Oman is a strategic gateway. Faster implementation will help businesses plan. Hope the paperwork and certification processes are also streamlined.
K
Karthik V
Strong ties with Oman are always good. Many Indians work there, and it's a stable partner in the region. Focusing on investments alongside trade is the right approach for long-term mutual growth.
N
Nisha Z
More power to our farmers and artisans! If agricultural products get better market access, it can improve rural incomes. Hope the benefits actually trickle down to the small producers and aren't captured only by big companies.

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