Oman Bids Farewell to PM Modi With ‘Namaste’ as Historic Visit Concludes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a landmark two-day visit to Oman, a trip that strengthened diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. His visit, which celebrated 70 years of India-Oman relations, marked a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation.

PM Modi wraps up his Oman visit | Firstpost

A Warm Send-Off

As PM Modi departed Muscat for New Delhi, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, who is also the Sultan’s brother, accompanied him to the airport. In a gesture that captured global attention, he folded his hands in a traditional Indian “Namaste”, bidding farewell to the Indian Prime Minister. The moment symbolized the warmth and mutual respect that have long defined India-Oman relations. 

Order of Oman: Recognition of Contribution

During his visit, PM Modi was awarded the Order of Oman (First Class), the Sultanate’s highest civilian honour, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The award recognized Modiji’s efforts in deepening strategic, economic, and cultural ties between India and Oman. PM Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and underscored the centuries-old connections between the two nations. 

Historic CEPA Agreement

The most significant outcome of the visit was the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade, enhance investment flows, and open new avenues in key sectors, including gems, textiles, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and services. Under CEPA, India gains zero-duty access on major exports to Oman, while Oman benefits from liberalized access to Indian markets.

Both countries hailed the pact as a “milestone” in economic cooperation. Experts believe it will expand bilateral trade well beyond $10 billion annually and strengthen collaborations in emerging sectors like green energy, technology, and traditional medicine (AYUSH). 

Strategic and Cultural Cooperation

Beyond trade, Modiji’s visit strengthened cooperation in defence, maritime security, education, agriculture, and energy. India and Oman adopted a joint vision for maritime collaboration, reaffirming the importance of security in the Indian Ocean region, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

PM Modi also interacted with the Indian diaspora in Oman, describing it as a “living bridge” between the two nations. The Prime Minister highlighted the diaspora’s role in strengthening centuries-old cultural and commercial ties, reinforcing people-to-people connections that underpin diplomatic relations. 

The MGMM Outlook

India’s recent diplomatic engagement with Oman highlights the growing strength of bilateral relations across economic, strategic, and cultural domains. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit, marking 70 years of India-Oman ties, culminated in a warm farewell where Oman’s leadership honored Indian traditions, signaling deep mutual respect. The conferral of the Order of Oman on PM Modi recognized the persistent efforts to deepen cooperation, and the visit showcased the Indian diaspora as a vital bridge fostering people-to-people and commercial connections.

A landmark achievement of the visit was the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is set to enhance trade, investment, and sectoral collaborations in pharmaceuticals, gems, textiles, and emerging industries like green energy and technology. Beyond trade, the visit strengthened defence, maritime security, education, and energy cooperation, highlighting India and Oman’s shared commitment to stability in the Indian Ocean region. This historic engagement underscores a relationship built on trust, shared strategic interests, and an enduring vision for regional growth.

(Sources: Firstpost, Times of India, Economic Times)