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Modi's Oman Visit: How a 23-Hour Trip Aims to Cement Strategic Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is wrapping up his three-nation tour with a significant visit to Oman. The short trip is packed with high-level talks focused on finalizing a major trade agreement. Experts believe the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement could dramatically boost trade between the two nations. The Indian community in Oman is also eagerly awaiting the Prime Minister's address.

Key Points: PM Modi Oman Visit Focuses on CEPA Deal and Strategic Ties

  • Visit marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman
  • CEPA expected to double bilateral trade within 2-3 years
  • Pact boosts India's energy security via Omani petrochemicals
  • Agreement addresses Oman's critical food security needs
3 min read

PM Modi's Oman visit to cement strategic ties, focus on landmark CEPA, says experts

PM Modi's landmark Oman visit marks 70 years of ties, with experts highlighting the strategic CEPA trade deal set to double bilateral trade.

"The main purpose of this visit is Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The Agreement is in focus. - Alkesh Joshi, EY Partner"

New Delhi, December 17

In the third and final leg of his three-nation visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Oman on December 17-18. This trip, which marks 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Oman, focuses on strengthening business and strategic relations between the two countries. Industry experts point to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as the central point of discussion.

The proposed CEPA, a major trade agreement, is expected to quickly and easily double the trade between the two nations within the next two or three years once it comes into effect. This agreement would open a new market for India and offer Oman great benefits, especially in key areas. For India, receiving supplies from Oman's petrochemical industry through this pact helps achieve better energy security. For Oman, the agreement helps address the very important topic of food security.

"The main purpose of this visit is Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The Agreement is in focus. A lot of discussion is taking place on this," said Alkesh Joshi, Partner at Ernst & Young, speaking to ANI ahead of the PM's visit.

Despite the short duration of the visit, the focus remains strong. "PM is coming to Oman for 23 hours. We wanted the visit to be a little longer. Indian diaspora has been waiting for PM Modi for a long time," Joshi noted.

Prime Minister Modi will hold discussions with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman and also address a gathering of the Indian community. Kiran Asher, Founder and Group Managing Director of Al Ansari Group, said, "The visit of PM is exciting for everybody, every Indian in this country. They are looking forward to see him, meet him or greet him." He added that the business coordination the visit promises has been awaited for some time.

"The visit of PM is exciting for everybody, every Indian in this country. They are looking forward to see him, meet him or greet him. But this visit was expected 2-4 years ago for the betterment of the trade relationship or CEPA. It has taken time but better late than never. We are so happy that this will bring a lot of business coordination between the two countries...The people here believe they want to work with India wherever possible," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday departed from Delhi on a three-nation tour, beginning with a visit to Jordan, then Ethiopia, and finally Oman.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see focus on trade, but the visit is only 23 hours? Our PM is always in a rush. The Indian community there has been waiting for years. Wish he could spend more time with them.
R
Rohit P
Doubling trade in 2-3 years sounds ambitious but achievable. Oman's petrochemicals for our food products - it's a win-win. Hope our MSMEs get good access to the Omani market.
S
Sarah B
As an NRI, I appreciate the government's efforts to strengthen ties with countries where Indians have a significant presence. It boosts our community's standing and creates opportunities.
K
Karthik V
Better late than never, as the article says. These agreements are crucial for long-term stability. Hope the fine print benefits our farmers and manufacturers, not just big corporations.
M
Michael C
The strategic dimension is key. Oman's location is vital for Indian Ocean security. Strengthening this partnership goes beyond just economics.

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