Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday, marking the third and final leg of his three-nation tour. He was warmly received at the airport by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, reflecting the close and cordial ties between the two countries.

Upon arrival, Prime Minister Modi and Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said exchanged warm greetings, and a Guard of Honour was accorded to the Indian leader as part of the ceremonial welcome. This visit marks PM Modi’s second trip to Oman, underscoring the steadily growing depth of the India–Oman strategic partnership.

The visit holds particular significance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. It also follows Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s State Visit to India in December 2023, highlighting sustained high-level political engagement and mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

During his stay, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold comprehensive discussions with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, covering the full spectrum of India–Oman relations. Talks are expected to focus on key areas such as trade and investment, energy cooperation, defence and security, technology, agriculture, and cultural exchanges. The two leaders are also set to exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest, including developments in the Gulf region and broader international challenges.

Ahead of the visit, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa & Overseas Indian Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs, briefed the media and highlighted the enduring and multifaceted nature of India–Oman relations. He noted that this is Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Oman, following his earlier trip in February 2018, and emphasized the centuries-old links between the two nations rooted in 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 said.

As part of the visit, Prime Minister Modi is also expected to address business leaders from both countries at a business forum aimed at strengthening commercial ties and boosting investment partnerships. Additionally, he will interact with members of the Indian community in Oman, acknowledging their significant role in enhancing bilateral relations and contributing to Oman’s economic development.

India and Oman currently share a comprehensive strategic partnership marked by robust cooperation across multiple sectors. Oman remains a key partner for India in the Gulf region, with close collaboration in areas such as energy security, maritime cooperation, defence engagement, and regional stability.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Oman after concluding a two-day State Visit to Ethiopia. In a special gesture underscoring personal warmth and diplomatic goodwill, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali once again personally bid farewell to PM Modi and drove him to the airport ahead of his departure for Oman.

During his Ethiopia visit, Prime Minister Modi addressed a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament, laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument, and visited the Adwa Museum, where he was briefed on Ethiopia’s history. He was also conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Modi’s Oman visit is expected to further consolidate the India–Oman partnership and provide renewed momentum to bilateral cooperation in the years ahead.