Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to place economic diplomacy at the centre of his upcoming three-nation tour, beginning December 15, with Oman emerging as a key stop before visits to Jordan and Ethiopia. The trip comes at a crucial moment in India–Oman relations, as both sides move closer to finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at significantly expanding bilateral trade and investment.
Just ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival, Oman’s Shura Council, the country’s lower house, cleared the CEPA, signalling strong political backing in Muscat. On the Indian side, the Union Cabinet has already given its approval to the proposed free trade pact, underlining New Delhi’s intent to deepen economic engagement with the Gulf nation.
While officials have stopped short of confirming whether the CEPA will be formally signed during the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs indicated that multiple agreements are in advanced stages of preparation. Senior MEA official Arun Kumar Chatterjee said negotiators from both countries have been working intensively, and several documents linked to trade and cooperation are ready for finalisation.
One sensitive issue during negotiations has been Oman’s long-standing “Omanisation” policy, which prioritises employment for Omani nationals through mandatory workforce quotas. Addressing concerns about its impact on Indian professionals and companies, Indian officials maintained that Oman’s ambitious infrastructure expansion and long-term growth plans will continue to require skilled foreign talent, including from India, across traditional and emerging sectors.
Beyond economics, strategic and defence cooperation is expected to feature prominently in discussions. Oman’s geographic position near the Strait of Hormuz gives it immense strategic importance for India’s energy security and maritime interests. India already enjoys access to a designated area at the Duqm port, allowing the Indian Navy to dock and maintain vessels, strengthening its operational reach in the Indian Ocean.
Defence ties are also set to receive a practical boost, with Oman offering to transfer spare parts for Jaguar fighter aircraft previously operated by its Royal Air Force. As India remains one of the few countries still flying SEPECAT Jaguar jets, these supplies are considered vital for maintaining operational readiness.
Regional and global developments are also likely to be reviewed at the leadership level, although officials declined to specify whether the Gaza conflict will be directly discussed. The visit is widely seen as an opportunity to reinforce India’s economic, strategic and security footprint in West Asia through a trusted and long-standing partner.
