Economic Integration Anchors Oman–India Relations Ahead of Modi’s Visit to Muscat

Oman–India relations have witnessed steady and multi-dimensional growth in recent years, with economic integration emerging as a central pillar of the bilateral partnership. In this context, the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Sultanate of Oman is viewed as a significant milestone in strengthening strategic ties between Muscat and New Delhi.

According to official data, India ranks as Oman’s sixth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching approximately OMR 30.4 million by the end of last September. Omani exports to India accounted for OMR 17.2 million, while imports from India stood at OMR 13.2 million.

In terms of investment, Indian direct investment in Oman reached OMR 268.4 million by the end of the second quarter of the current year, while Omani direct investment in India amounted to approximately OMR 5.5 million by the end of 2024. Additionally, 61 Indian-invested entities were operating in Oman by 2024, and the number of Indian visitors to the Sultanate exceeded 609,000 by November 2025.

Officials and business leaders from both sides view the visit as an opportunity to advance discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). If concluded, the agreement is expected to reduce customs tariffs, facilitate the flow of goods and services, and strengthen Oman’s role as a strategic gateway for Indian trade to Gulf and African markets.

Priority areas of cooperation include clean energy, green hydrogen and ammonia, ports and logistics, the digital economy, food security, and healthcare, all of which align closely with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

Overall, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Muscat is widely regarded as a turning point in Oman–India economic and strategic relations, underscoring both countries’ commitment to a long-term, balanced, and forward-looking partnership at the regional and international levels.