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Key Points

India has successfully concluded negotiations for a comprehensive trade deal with Oman after a year of talks. The agreement builds on seven decades of diplomatic relations between the two nations. This marks India's sixth major trade pact since 2021, following deals with UAE, Australia and others. The government continues pursuing additional agreements with the EU, US and several other countries.

Key Points: India Concludes Oman Trade Deal After Yearlong Negotiations

  • India-Oman strategic partnership upgraded in 2008
  • Deal follows 5 major FTAs signed since 2021
  • Bilateral ties date back to 1955 diplomatic relations
  • Ongoing negotiations with EU, US, Australia for more trade pacts
2 min read

India concludes trade deal negotiations with Oman

India finalizes CEPA with Oman, strengthening strategic ties and expanding trade agreements under Modi government's economic diplomacy push.

"India-Oman CEPA negotiations have been concluded - Jitin Prasada, MoS Commerce"

New Delhi, August 10

Negotiations for a comprehensive trade deal between India and Oman, which commenced in 2023, have been concluded.

"India-Oman CEPA negotiations have been concluded," Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada informed Rajya Sabha in a written reply this week while responding to a question from Congress member Hebi Mather Hisham relating to India's trade deals.

India and Oman share a longstanding history of friendship and cooperation, built on the foundation of mutual trust and respect, and strong people-to-people ties going back centuries.

The two countries are strategic partners, and the bilateral trade and investment relationship between them has flourished since diplomatic relations were established in 1955, which was upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008.

The minister, in his reply, however, didn't mention any date or timeline on the expected signing ceremony for the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Further, the Minister apprised the Upper House that India has strengthened its trade ties over the past five years, signing five major Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and progressing on several new deals.

Congress member Jebi Mather Hisham asked the Minister to apprise the House about the number of international trade agreements that have been signed by India in the last five years, besides details of their implementation.

The agreements inked over the past 5 years include the India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) implemented in 2021, the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) in 2022, the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in 2024, and the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed in 2025, which is yet to come into force.

The India-European Union Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is expected to be implemented later this year once all parties complete their ratification processes.

Meanwhile, India is in talks for several other agreements, including the India-EU FTA, India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), India-Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement, India-Peru FTA, India-Chile CEPA, India-New Zealand FTA, and a bilateral trade agreement with the United States.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As an expat in Muscat, I've seen how strong India-Oman ties are. This deal will create more job opportunities for Indians in Oman's construction and healthcare sectors.
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Aditya G
While this is positive, government should clarify when it will be signed. Too many delays in trade deals these days. Also, what about protecting our farmers' interests?
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Priyanka N
Oman imports lots of basmati rice and tea. This deal should help our farmers get better prices inshallah. My uncle's rice mill in Punjab will benefit 👍
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Michael C
Interesting to see India's trade strategy - focusing on Gulf countries while also negotiating with EU and US. Smart diversification in uncertain global times.
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Kavya N
Hope this includes easier visa norms for business travelers. My husband's export firm has been facing so many paperwork issues with Oman. #EaseOfDoingBusiness
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Vikram M
Good step but government should publish full details soon. Public has right to know what concessions we're making in return for market access. Transparency matters!

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