Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday afternoon departed for New Delhi after concluding his landmark visit to Oman, marking the final leg of his three-nation tour.
Reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties, Oman Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik’s brother and the Sultanate’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, bid farewell to Prime Minister Modi at the airport. The two leaders exchanged a warm handshake and embrace, with the Omani leader also greeting the Prime Minister with a traditional Indian ‘Namaste’ gesture.
Earlier during the visit, Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik conferred “The First Class of the Order of Oman” on Prime Minister Modi in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening India–Oman relations and his visionary global leadership. Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to the age-old friendship between the two nations, calling it a tribute to the warmth and affection shared between the people of India and Oman.
The conferment of the honour coincided with the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, adding special significance to the visit and the strategic partnership between the two countries. Instituted in 1970 by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Order of Oman has been conferred on select global leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II, Emperor Akihito, Nelson Mandela and King Abdullah of Jordan. This marks the 29th international civilian honour received by Prime Minister Modi.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik held detailed discussions on further deepening the India–Oman strategic partnership. The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements.
Both sides welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), terming it a milestone in bilateral relations and expressing confidence that it would significantly strengthen economic and strategic cooperation. The leaders also exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including defence and security, trade and investment, energy, agriculture, technology, emerging sectors, culture and people-to-people ties, as well as regional and global developments.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other senior officials attended the meeting held at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat.
Highlighting the significance of the visit, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the completion of 70 years of India–Oman diplomatic relations is a landmark moment in bilateral ties, rooted in shared maritime heritage and common destiny.
During his stay, Prime Minister Modi also addressed members of the Indian community at the ‘Maitri Parv’ event in Muscat and participated in the India–Oman Business Forum, where he invited Omani businesses to invest and innovate in India.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Muscat on Wednesday, where he was received by Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said and accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. This was the Prime Minister’s second visit to Oman, underscoring the growing depth of the India–Oman strategic partnership.
The Oman visit followed Prime Minister Modi’s two-day State visit to Ethiopia.
— IANS
