MUSCAT, Dec 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Oman on a two-day visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties. The Prime Minister was received at the airport by the Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said and was accorded a ceremonial welcome.
PM Modi posted on X, that the visit will provide an opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration between the two sides and add fresh momentum to the bilateral partnership.
“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.”
During the two-day official visit, PM Modi is to meet the Sultan, Haitham bin Tarik.
PM Modi is accompanied by a high-level official delegation, which includes: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar; union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The Indian Ambassador Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas was also present, besides other senior Indian government officials.
According to reports, the two nations are set to sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) free trade pact on December 18, which will be Oman’s first trade agreement with any country in nearly 20 years.
Upon PM Modi’s arrival at Muscat International Airport, the Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said extended a formal welcome to the Indian leader and his accompanying party, wishing them a successful visit in the Sultanate of Oman.
The Indian Prime Minister was accorded an official reception ceremony at the airport’s VIP Hall. Sayyid Shihab then escorted the Indian PM to the dais, where the Indian national anthem was played.
PM Modi then shook hands with the Omani delegation. Those present to receive him included: Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi; Governor of Muscat Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi; Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef; the Omani Ambassador to India Issa bin Saleh Al Shaibani, senior officers from the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and members of the Indian Embassy.
Following the welcoming ceremony, Sayyid Shihab accompanied the Indian Prime Minister through a ceremonial guard of honour formed by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) to the main lounge for a brief reception.
The MEA spokesperson posted: “Deepening ties with a longstanding and historical partner!
“PM @narendramodi arrived in Muscat, Oman. He was received by the Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said and was accorded a ceremonial welcome.
“The visit is of special significance as it marks the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Oman.”
At a press conference held on Tuesday, G V Srinivas, Indian Ambassador to Oman, highlighted the depth of bilateral ties, with trade and cooperation expanding into areas such as green hydrogen and sustainable development.
He noted that this is the second visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in eight years reflecting strong leadership engagement on both sides. “The visit of the Prime Minister is very timely and will provide further direction to strengthen relations across sectors,” Srinivas said.
The visit, lasting less than 24 hours, will include a business summit, meetings with the Indian community and interaction with students, marking 50 years of India’s education system CBSE in Oman.
The visit to Oman is the third and last leg of PM Modi’s three-nation visit, which included Jordan and Ehtiopia.
(UNI)
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