Muscat: Oman Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik on December 18 conferred ‘The First Class of the Order of Oman’ on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an honour previously bestowed on global leaders including Queen Elizabeth, Emperor Akihito, Nelson Mandela and King Abdullah of Jordan. This is the 29th global honour conferred on PM Modi.

Earlier that same week, PM Modi was awarded Ethiopia’s highest honour, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and for his global leadership.

Strategic Talks

On December 18, PM Modi and Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik held talks in Muscat to deepen the India–Oman strategic partnership. The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of key Memoranda of Understanding and agreements.

They welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), calling it a milestone in bilateral relations, and discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior officials attended the meeting at Al Baraka Palace.

Seventy Years Of Ties

“Celebrating 70 years of India–Oman diplomatic ties… an all-encompassing relationship united by maritime heritage and shared destiny,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

He noted that the leaders discussed cooperation across defence, security, trade, investment, energy, agriculture, technology, culture and people-to-people ties.

Economic Engagement

Earlier, PM Modi addressed the Indian community at ‘Maitri Parv’ and later spoke at the India–Oman Business Forum, highlighting opportunities to deepen economic linkages and inviting Omani businesses to invest in India.

Ceremonial Welcome

PM Modi arrived in Muscat on December 17 for the final leg of his three-nation tour and was warmly received by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tariqk Al Said. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was accorded.

This was PM Modi’s second visit to Oman and coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, following Sultan Haitham bin Tariqk’s State visit to India in December 2023.

India and Oman share a comprehensive strategic partnership spanning energy security, maritime cooperation and regional stability, making Oman a key partner for India in the Gulf region.