What Award Did Oman Sultan Bestow on PM Modi, Marking His 29th Global Honor?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi received the First Class of the Order of Oman.
- This award is his 29th global honor.
- CEPA was signed, enhancing economic ties.
- The visit marks 70 years of India-Oman diplomatic relations.
- Oman is an essential partner for India in the Gulf region.
Muscat, Dec 18 (NationPress) His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik of Oman presented 'The First Class of the Order of Oman' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. This prestigious award has previously honored notable figures such as Queen Elizabeth, Emperor Akihito, Nelson Mandela, and King Abdullah of Jordan. This marks PM Modi's 29th global recognition.
On the preceding Tuesday, PM Modi received the highest accolade from Ethiopia, the 'Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia', awarded by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during a special ceremony at the Addis International Convention Centre. Modi was honored for his outstanding contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and for his visionary global leadership. He expressed his gratitude to both Prime Minister Abiy and the Ethiopian people.
Earlier on Thursday, PM Modi and Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik engaged in talks in Muscat, focusing on enhancing their strategic partnership. Both leaders oversaw the signing of several key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements.
The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was celebrated as a significant milestone in their bilateral relationship, with both leaders expressing optimism about its potential to fortify their strategic ties. They also addressed a range of regional and global issues.
Attending the meeting at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat were External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, among other officials.
In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted, "Today, PM Modi met His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik in Muscat to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. This anniversary is pivotal for enhancing the India-Oman strategic partnership."
Both leaders acknowledged the CEPA as a landmark development, asserting that it would significantly bolster their strategic alliance. They exchanged ideas on various topics, including defense, trade, energy, culture, and other areas of mutual interest.
Earlier that day, PM Modi addressed the Indian community at the 'Maitri Parv' event in Muscat and spoke at the India-Oman Business Forum.
During the Business Forum, attended by industry representatives from both nations, PM Modi emphasized the vast potential for deepening economic ties and invited Omani businesses to invest and innovate in India.
On Wednesday, PM Modi arrived in Muscat, marking the final leg of his three-nation tour. He was warmly welcomed at the airport by Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
This visit is significant as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, following Sultan Haitham bin Tariq's State visit to India in December 2023, highlighting the elevated political engagement between the two nations.
India and Oman enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership characterized by extensive cooperation across various sectors. Oman is a vital ally for India in the Gulf region, especially in energy security and maritime cooperation.