PM Modi Begins Oman Visit to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Muscat, Dec 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Muscat on Wednesday for the third and final leg of his three-nation visit, marking an important step in India’s growing engagement with Oman. He was warmly received at the airport by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, who welcomed him with a ceremonial Guard of Honour and cordial greetings, highlighting the warmth and significance of the occasion.

This visit is Prime Minister Modi’s second trip to Oman, following his earlier visit in February 2018. It reflects the strengthening strategic partnership between the two nations and comes at a meaningful moment — the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Oman. The visit also builds on the momentum generated by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s state visit to India in December 2023, a meeting that helped shape the next phase of cooperation across multiple sectors.

During his stay, PM Modi is scheduled to hold detailed discussions with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on a wide range of bilateral issues. Both leaders are expected to focus on deepening cooperation in areas including trade and investment, defence and security, energy, technology, food processing, agriculture, and cultural exchanges. They will also exchange views on regional matters and global developments, recognising mutual priorities in peace, stability, and prosperity.

Ahead of the visit, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa & Overseas Indian Affairs) at the Ministry of External Affairs, briefed the media and described the trip as an opportunity to further consolidate the broad spectrum of India-Oman relations. He noted that ties between the two countries are deeply rooted in history, shaped by centuries of maritime trade and vibrant people-to-people bonds linking the shores of the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent.

Speaking on the significance of the visit, Chatterjee said, “The Honourable Prime Minister will undertake a comprehensive review of the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with His Majesty the Sultan of Oman and exchange perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual interest.”

As part of the programme, PM Modi is expected to address business leaders from both countries at a bilateral business forum. The event is aimed at exploring new opportunities in trade and investment, enhancing business linkages, and harnessing the potential of emerging sectors such as digital innovation, renewable energy, logistics, and infrastructure.

The Prime Minister will also interact with members of the Indian community in Oman, acknowledging their steady contributions to Oman’s growth and wellbeing. With nearly 700,000 Indians living and working in Oman, community engagement forms a vital pillar in India-Oman relations. Their presence has helped boost bilateral trade, foster shared cultural understanding, and support Oman’s development across sectors including healthcare, education, engineering, and services.

India and Oman enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership supported by strong cooperation in energy security and maritime collaboration. Oman is a key supplier of oil and gas to India, while both nations maintain close defence ties through naval exercises, port calls, training programmes, and maritime security initiatives in the Indian Ocean region. The visit is expected to further reinforce these efforts, creating new momentum for cooperation in regional stability and safeguarding vital sea routes.

Prime Minister Modi’s arrival in Oman follows the completion of his two-day State visit to Ethiopia, where he received an enthusiastic welcome. In a personal gesture, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali drove PM Modi to the airport to bid farewell as he departed for Muscat. The Ethiopia leg of the tour included multiple engagements, including an address to the Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament, a visit to the Adwa Museum, and a tribute at the Adwa Victory Monument. PM Modi was also conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, to which he responded with deep gratitude on behalf of the people of India.

In Ethiopia, PM Modi and his counterpart held extensive discussions on developing stronger political, economic, and strategic ties. The warm welcome he received, and the interactions throughout the trip, reflect India’s growing partnership with African nations and its expanding global presence.

As PM Modi begins the final sector of his three-nation journey, the significance of his visit to Oman stands clear. With decades of trust, shared prosperity, and mutual respect, the India-Oman relationship continues to evolve. The visit is expected to strengthen traditional pillars of cooperation while opening pathways for future collaboration — especially in trade, technology, energy, and regional security.

PM Modi’s engagements in Muscat underline not just diplomatic relations, but a bond of friendship between two countries whose histories and futures remain closely connected.

Team Maverick.