Sultan Haitham bin Tarik conferred Oman's highest civilian honour, the First Class of the Order of Oman, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a ceremony at Al Baraka Palace on December 18, 2025. The award recognises Modi's exceptional contributions to strengthening India-Oman bilateral ties and his visionary global leadership. Previously bestowed on figures like Queen Elizabeth II, Emperor Akihito of Japan, Nelson Mandela, and King Abdullah II of Jordan, this marks Modi's 29th international civilian honour. The conferment coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and followed Sultan Haitham's state visit to India in December 2023. Modi dedicated the honour to the longstanding friendship and warmth between the peoples of India and Oman.

The leaders held delegation-level talks, welcoming the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a milestone in the strategic partnership. They explored deepening cooperation in defence, security, trade, investment, energy, agriculture, technology, emerging sectors, culture, and people-to-people ties, alongside regional and global issues. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the relationship as "all-encompassing", united by maritime heritage and shared destiny. Modi addressed the India-Oman Business Forum, inviting Omani investments in India and highlighting economic linkage potential.

Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon arrival on December 17, including a Guard of Honour by Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said. The Indian community in Muscat greeted him enthusiastically with chants and flags. At the 'Maitri Parv' event, Modi celebrated shared history and diaspora contributions.

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This visit, the final leg of Modi's three-nation tour after Jordan and Ethiopia (where he received Ethiopia's highest honour the previous day), underscores high-level engagement. The CEPA is expected to significantly boost trade, services, and investment flows.

Modi's receipt of the prestigious award reinforces India's growing Gulf partnerships, blending historical ties with modern strategic alignment. The honour symbolises mutual respect and commitment to elevated cooperation in a vital region for India's energy security and diaspora interests. As Modi departed, the visit left strengthened foundations for future collaboration across diverse domains. The 70-year milestone adds symbolic depth to the evolving partnership rooted in trust and shared prosperity.

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