Will Oman and India Strengthen Economic Ties?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Oman’s Ambassador to India anticipates that the forthcoming Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will pave the way for enhanced trade relations. With Modi's visit to Oman, the two countries are poised for deeper economic collaboration. The Suhar Investment Forum aims to spotlight sector-specific growth, while defense ties are further solidified through the transfer of Jaguar jets.
Key Takeaways
- CEPA will enhance trade and investment.
- Modi's visit signifies deeper bilateral ties.
- Suhar Investment Forum will spotlight industry opportunities.
- Defense relations exemplified by Jaguar jet transfer.
- Oman's Vision 2040 aligns with Indian business interests.
New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) Oman’s Ambassador to India, Issa Saleh Abdullah Saleh Alshibani, stated on Wednesday that the upcoming Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expected to be signed shortly, will serve as a significant avenue for enhancing trade and investment between the two nations.
"A comprehensive economic agreement typically acts as a gateway for investments and simplifies various engagements related to investments. This also supports the bilateral trade between our two countries. Recent statistics indicate a rise in our bilateral trade," the Ambassador shared in an exclusive discussion with IANS.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Oman next week to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, he anticipates that cooperation between the two countries will strengthen across multiple sectors.
Regarding the upcoming Suhar Investment Forum 2026 scheduled for February, the envoy remarked: "This event is quite progressive. During my discussions with the Suhar team, they indicated that this year will focus on sector-specific industries, including site visits to the Suhar Port and Suhar Industrial Zone."
He mentioned that this forum would provide Indian businesses with a firsthand view of the existing development industries and the opportunities that align with Oman's Vision 2040.
On the transfer of over 20 Jaguar fighter jets from Oman to India, the Ambassador noted: "This underscores the profound defense relationship between India and Oman. We are perhaps the first country to have conducted joint training across various forces. The Jaguars have been a reliable fighter for decades, reflecting the strength of our defense ties and the closeness of our nations."
The Oman Air Force will hand over its Jaguar fighter-bombers to the IAF, which will repurpose them for spare parts. The IAF operates six squadrons of the Jaguar, with each squadron comprising 18-20 aircraft, and is among the few nations still utilizing this Anglo-French jet.
Point of View
It is clear that the strengthening economic ties between Oman and India not only reflect mutual interests but also signify a broader strategy to enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The anticipated CEPA marks a pivotal moment in this relationship, fostering growth and development, while the defense collaboration underscores trust and reliability between the two nations.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement?
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing trade and investment between Oman and India by simplifying regulations and facilitating easier access to markets.
What are the expected benefits of the CEPA?
The CEPA is expected to boost bilateral trade, streamline investment processes, and create opportunities for businesses in both countries.
What significance does Modi's visit hold?
PM Modi's visit marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between Oman and India, reinforcing their commitment to strengthen ties across various sectors.
What is the Suhar Investment Forum?
The Suhar Investment Forum is an event that focuses on sector-specific industries and provides a platform for Indian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Oman.
What is the status of defense relations between Oman and India?
The transfer of Jaguar fighter jets from Oman to India highlights the strong defense partnership, showcasing deep-rooted military cooperation and joint training exercises.
