Let us turn this world into a garden of peace: Narendra Modi at World Sufi Forum

At the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultan of Oman, the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi paid an Official Visit to the Sultanate of Oman from 17-18 December 2025. Prime Minister was received by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs at the airport and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. He was received by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on 18 December 2025 at Al Baraka Palace.

This visit is of special significance as it takes place in the year marking 70th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries. The Prime Minister’s visit follows the State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India in December 2023.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held consultations and expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations, spanning trade, investment, defence, security, technology, education, energy, space, agriculture, culture and people to people ties. They also reviewed the ongoing initiatives and cooperation in the areas identified in the Joint Vision Document, adopted during the visit of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman to India in December 2023. The two sides acknowledged that the relationship between the two maritime neighbours, Oman and India, has stood the test of time and has transformed into a multifaceted strategic partnership.

Indian side expressed admiration for the economic diversification and sustainable development achieved by Oman under its Vision 2040. Omani side commended India for its sustained economic growth and the goal of Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047. Both sides noted the synergy in the visions of both countries and agreed to work together in areas of mutual interest.

The two sides noted that trade and commerce has been a key pillar of bilateral cooperation between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. Both sides acknowledged the immense potential to promote trade in areas, including textiles, automobiles, chemicals, equipment, and fertilizers.

The two sides welcomed the signing of the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which is an important milestone in the bilateral economic relationship. Both leaders acknowledged that CEPA shall be mutually beneficial to both countries, and they encouraged the private sector of both countries to benefit from this agreement. The two leaders agreed that CEPA will increase the trade between the two countries by reducing trade barriers and creating a stable framework. They also noted that CEPA will unlock opportunities in all major sectors of the economy, enhance economic growth, create jobs and boost investment flows between both the countries.

Recognizing that India is one of the fastest-growing emerging economies and acknowledging Oman’s progress in economic diversification, both sides expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in priority sectors of mutual interests including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, hospitality and others. The two sides also noted that given the past successful track record of Oman-India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF), it holds strong potential to promote and facilitate investments.

The two leaders took note of discussions on exploring mechanisms to facilitate bilateral trade in local currencies. They also welcomed ongoing progress on the Bilateral Investment Treaty, recognizing its potential to support economic cooperation and a robust, investor-friendly environment.

Both sides discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction at the bilateral energy trade, they agreed that there is vast potential to further enhance it. Both sides expressed keenness for supporting their companies to increase energy cooperation including collaboration in Indian as well as global E&P opportunities, new and renewable energy cooperation in the areas of Green Ammonia, and Green Hydrogen. Both sides acknowledged the synergies with its sustainable energy goals and proposed joint investments, technology transfer, and long-term collaboration.

The two sides commended the deepening cooperation in the defence sector and agreed to continue working together in this regard, including joint exercises, training, and high-level visits to achieve shared goals and contribute towards maintaining regional security and stability. They also agreed to undertake joint initiatives to prevent maritime crimes and piracy by enhancing maritime domain awareness and facilitating continued information exchange.

During the visit, both sides adopted a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation, reflecting their shared commitment to regional maritime security, blue economy, and sustainable use of ocean resources.

Both sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of their partnership and expressed interest to further strengthen collaboration in this field.

Both sides took note of ongoing discussions and initiatives, including the proposal to establish Ayush chair at the National University of Science and Technology and information cell in Oman to facilitate cooperation in the field of traditional medicine.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to agricultural cooperation and welcomed the signing of MoU in the area of agriculture and allied sectors to advance collaboration in agricultural science, animal husbandry and aquaculture. Both sides further agreed to enhance cooperation in millet cultivation through training and scientific exchanges.

Both sides noted their growing cooperation in technology, including IT services, Digital Infrastructure and space applications.

Both sides noted with satisfaction the deepening of cultural cooperation and strong people to people ties. They welcomed the joint exhibition "Legacy of Indo-Oman Relations” and took note of ongoing discussions on culture digitization initiatives. Both sides took note of the initiative to cooperate for the establishment of the ICCR chair Programme of Indian Studies at the Sohar University that shall promote cultural and academic exchanges between both countries.

Both sides welcomed the MoU on Maritime Heritage and Museums, enabling collaboration between museums, including through joint exhibitions and research. They also noted the upcoming maiden voyage of INSV Kaundinya, to Oman highlighting our shared maritime traditions.

Both sides acknowledged ongoing cooperation in education and scientific exchange, including forthcoming India Oman Knowledge Dialogue. The MoU on Higher Education would be a key enabler in facilitating exchange of faculty, and students, institutional collaboration and promote joint research. Both sides further noted ongoing capacity-building initiatives including under the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) programme.

The Omani side expressed interest to discuss air service traffic rights, including on number of destinations and code-sharing provisions. The Indian side took note of the request.

Both sides acknowledged that centuries old people-to-people ties remain a cornerstone of the Oman-India relationship. Indian side conveyed its deep appreciation to the leadership of Oman for ensuring the welfare and well-being of the vibrant Indian community of around 675,000 residing in Oman. Omani side recognized the valued contributions of the Indian diaspora to Oman’s development.

The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, reaffirming that no justification can ever be accepted for such acts. They underlined the importance of continued cooperation in this area.

The two sides expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for safe and timely delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians. They welcomed the signing of the first phase of Gaza Peace Plan and reiterated their support for the plan. They also reaffirmed their support for efforts to restore peace and stability and underlined the need for a just and lasting resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, including the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.

The following Agreement and Memoranda of Understanding were signed during the visit:

1) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
2) MoU in the field of Maritime Heritage and Museum
3) MoU in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors
4) MoU in the field of Higher Education
5) MoU between the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Confederation of Indian Industry
6) Adoption of Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation
7) Executive Programme for cooperation in millet cultivation and agri - food innovation

The Indian Prime Minister thanked His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik for the warm welcome and kind hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He invited His Majesty the Sultan to pay a visit to India at a mutually convenient time.