MUSCAT, Dec 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that 21st-century India takes bold and swift decisions, pursues ambitious goals, and delivers results within defined timelines, underlining that the country continues to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
Addressing an interaction with the Indian community and students in Muscat, the Prime Minister said the gathering reflected the spirit of India’s unity in diversity.
“Today, we have all gathered here as one family. We are celebrating our country, our Team India. Diversity is the strongest foundation of our culture. Every day in India brings new colours, every season becomes a festival, and every tradition carries a new idea. That is why wherever Indians go and wherever we live, we respect and celebrate diversity,” he said.
Highlighting the deep-rooted ties between India and Oman, Modi said the Bharat-Oman MAITRI Parv symbolises the enduring friendship between the two countries.
The Prime Minister also praised the Indian diaspora for its role in strengthening bilateral relations, noting the “incredible energy” at the community programme in Muscat. He said the Indian community continues to play a vital role in bringing India and Oman closer.
Modi arrived in Oman on Wednesday on a two-day visit during which he is set to hold talks with the country’s top leadership and is expected to sign an ambitious trade deal.
He was warmly welcomed by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, at the airport, where a guard of honour was accorded to the Prime Minister. Modi is visiting Oman at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
This is his second visit to the Gulf nation and marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the visit, Modi will also hold discussions with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on strengthening the Strategic Partnership and boosting commercial and economic relations.
India has expressed optimism about finalising an ambitious trade deal with Oman during the visit. The free trade agreement between India and Oman was approved by the union Cabinet on Friday, December 12, 2025.
Talks for the agreement, officially termed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), formally began in November 2023 and concluded this year.
“We are all very optimistic about it. The teams from both sides have been working very hard for its early finalisation,” Arun Chatterjee, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, said at a media briefing when asked whether the CEPA would be signed during Modi’s visit.
“We have immense faith that this agreement, if signed during this visit, will significantly deepen economic ties between India and Oman. It will open up a new chapter in the history of India-Oman trade and commercial relations,” he added.
(UNI)
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