Muscat, Dec 17 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was met with an enthusiastic reception from the Indian community at a hotel in Oman's Muscat on Wednesday, where hundreds waved Indian flags and chanted "Modi Modi", "Bharat Mata ki Jai", and "Vande Mataram" as they joyfully greeted the Indian PM.

PM Modi interacted with numerous community members who assembled to show their support. He also enjoyed various cultural performances during the welcome ceremony.

On Wednesday, PM Modi arrived in Muscat as part of the last leg of his three-nation tour. Upon landing, he was warmly welcomed at the airport by Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said.

The two leaders exchanged cordial greetings at the airport, where PM Modi was given a Guard of Honour as part of the ceremonial reception.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi posted on X, "Landed in Muscat, Oman. This is a land of enduring friendship and deep historical connections with India. This visit offers an opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration and add fresh momentum to our partnership."

This marks PM Modi’s second visit to Oman, highlighting the strengthening of the India-Oman strategic partnership.

The visit holds special significance as it aligns with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. It follows Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s state visit to India in December 2023, which reflects the high-level political engagement between the two nations.

During his time in Oman, PM Modi is set to engage in comprehensive discussions with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, focusing on a wide array of bilateral relations. Topics will likely include trade, investment, energy cooperation, defence, security, technology, agriculture, and cultural exchanges. The leaders are also expected to share views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Before the visit, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa, Overseas Indian Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated that this would be PM Modi’s second visit to Oman, following his trip in February 2018. He emphasized the lasting nature of India-Oman ties, rooted in centuries of maritime trade and people-to-people connections.

"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," Chatterjee remarked.

PM Modi is also anticipated to address business leaders from both countries at a business forum to enhance commercial and investment partnerships.

Currently, India and Oman uphold a comprehensive strategic partnership, marked by robust cooperation across numerous sectors. Oman is a key partner for India in the Gulf, particularly in energy security, maritime collaboration, and regional stability.

PM Modi’s visit is expected to further solidify bilateral relations and introduce new momentum to India-Oman cooperation in the future.

PM Modi arrived in Oman after completing a two-day state visit to Ethiopia. In a notable gesture, Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali personally drove PM Modi to the airport and bid him farewell as he departed for Oman.

During his Ethiopia visit, PM Modi addressed the Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament and laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument in Addis Ababa. He also visited the Adwa Museum, where officials briefed him on the history of the African nation.

For his contributions, Prime Minister Modi was awarded Ethiopia's highest civilian honor, the 'Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia', for which he expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ethiopian government and people.

PM Modi and Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali held extensive discussions on various matters, including political cooperation, economic engagement, and strategic partnerships.

In a personal touch, Abiy Ahmed Ali had received PM Modi at the airport on Tuesday and drove him to the hotel.