PM Modi to Visit Oman Dec 17–18; India-Oman CEPA Signing Expected Soon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled two-day official visit to Oman, beginning on December 17, 2025, is anticipated to mark a historic milestone with the formal signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a comprehensive framework meticulously crafted to dismantle longstanding trade barriers, streamline regulatory processes, and propel bilateral economic engagement to unprecedented levels between the two strategically positioned nations.

Omani business community representatives have voiced strong endorsement for the forthcoming pact, portraying it as a pivotal and transformative instrument for regional commerce and prosperity. Ajay Khimji, Director of the prominent Khimji Ramdas Group, articulated the profound importance of the prime ministerial visit in reinforcing enduring strategic trust, while underscoring that the CEPA represents a forward-looking shared commitment to fostering deeper trade linkages, attracting mutual investments, and strengthening cultural and interpersonal connections over the long term.

The agreement is expected to significantly amplify the existing bilateral trade volume, currently standing at around $12 billion, through the systematic elimination of customs duties, provision of enhanced market access, promotion of seamless supply chain integration, and encouragement of collaborative innovation across diverse sectors. It strategically positions Oman as an indispensable gateway facilitating Indian access to markets in the West, Africa, and beyond, while simultaneously opening avenues for Omani businesses to tap into India's expansive and dynamic consumer market comprising 1.4 billion individuals.

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Davis Kallukaran, Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Investment Committee at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, elaborated on the CEPA's far-reaching potential to generate substantial growth in exports and imports, stimulate job opportunities, and advance economic diversification initiatives. These outcomes align precisely with Oman's forward-thinking Vision 2040 framework, targeting sustainable development in key areas including agriculture, information technology, tourism, mining, logistics, and emerging industries.

This development builds upon notable progress achieved since Prime Minister Modi's last visit to Oman in 2018 and the foundational strategic partnership established in 2008, with the CEPA further solidifying cooperation in defence and security domains. The itinerary includes substantive deliberations with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said, a specialised business forum to explore investment prospects, and meaningful interactions with the vibrant Indian diaspora in Oman, collectively reinforcing the multifaceted and enduring alliance between the two countries.

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