Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Muscat on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, marking the third and final leg of his three-nation tour of the Middle East and Africa. This high-profile visit comes as India and Oman celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations. With a heavy focus on the India-Oman CEPA agreement, the visit is set to unlock a new era of economic and strategic cooperation between the two maritime neighbors.
Read More: Anini’s Global Rise: Arunachal Town Wins ‘Best Emerging Adventure Destination’ Award
A Grand Welcome at Muscat
Upon landing, the Prime Minister was received by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said. Following a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the airport, PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm on social media, describing Oman as a “land of enduring friendship.”
The energy transitioned from diplomatic to cultural as the Prime Minister reached his hotel. Hundreds of members of the Indian diaspora gathered to welcome him with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Children performed traditional Omani and Indian dances, including Kathak and Kuchipudi, showcasing the deep cultural fusion that defines the PM Modi Oman visit 2025.
The Economic Core: Finalizing the CEPA Deal
The most anticipated outcome of this visit is the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been in the works since late 2023.
- Trade Volume: Bilateral trade currently stands at over $10 billion, and the CEPA is expected to double this figure in the coming years.
- Key Sectors: The deal will benefit Indian exports in textiles, agriculture, and electronics while easing Oman’s exports of petrochemicals and fertilizers.
- Investment: PM Modi will address a business forum in Muscat, inviting Omani wealth funds to invest in India’s growing infrastructure and green energy sectors.
By securing this deal, India solidifies its position as Oman’s second-largest trading partner, moving beyond oil and gas into technology and healthcare.
Strategic Ties and the Lavish State Dinner
Beyond trade, the PM Modi Oman visit 2025 emphasizes maritime security and defense. Given Oman’s strategic location at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the two nations are expanding cooperation at the Duqm Port to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping.
To honor the visiting leader, a lavish state dinner was hosted at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel in Muscat. The dinner provided an informal setting for PM Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to discuss regional stability and the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision. These top-level talks reinforce the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that was elevated during the Sultan’s visit to New Delhi in 2023.
Highlights of the Visit Schedule
| Date | Key Event | Significance |
| Dec 17 | Arrival & Diaspora Meet | Strengthening people-to-people bonds. |
| Dec 18 | Talks with Sultan Haitham | Reviewing defense and regional security. |
| Dec 18 | Signing of the CEPA | Landmark shift in trade and economic ties. |
| Dec 18 | Business Forum Address | Boosting mutual investment flows. |
Conclusion: A New Chapter in the Gulf
As PM Modi concludes his visit today, the focus remains on the long-term benefits of the trade deal and the safety of the 7-lakh-strong Indian community in Oman. The PM Modi Oman visit 2025 is not just a diplomatic stop; it is a strategic maneuver to ensure India remains a key player in the evolving landscape of the Middle East.
The “Golden Thread” of friendship that connects the two nations across the Arabian Sea has never been stronger. With the CEPA deal signed and strategic ties deepened, the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations serves as the perfect launchpad for a more prosperous future.
Read More: President Droupadi Murmu Begins Annual Winter Sojourn in Hyderabad