PM Modi's Oman Visit Set to Boost Strategic Ties as Bilateral Trade Tops $10 Billion

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oman, India’s Ambassador to Muscat, Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas, said the trip is expected to give fresh momentum to bilateral relations as trade between the two countries surpasses $10 billion and cooperation expands into emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and sustainable development.

Speaking to ANI, Ambassador Srinivas described the visit as “very timely,” noting that it comes eight years after PM Modi’s last trip to Oman and follows the Sultan of Oman’s state visit to India in December 2023.

“The visit of PM is very timely. It is taking place after eight years. Two years ago, the Sultan of Oman had visited India. Leadership from both the sides would be giving blessings and directions to the overall growth and certainly on the trade and economic relations. We are hopeful that with the visit of PM Modi, further direction will be given to the relationship to make them stronger and grow in all avenues,” he said.

Focus on trade and a possible FTA

Economic cooperation remains a central pillar of India-Oman relations, with both sides working towards a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Ambassador Srinivas said significant progress has been made over the past two years.

“Economic ties are a strong pillar of our partnership. In the last 5000 years, the India-Oman relationship has developed very naturally and the countries are working on several fronts… It is the 70th year of the diplomatic ties between the two countries, however, we have had regular business engagement in the last 200-250 years,” he said.

Trade crosses $10.4 billion

Bilateral trade currently stands at around $10.4 billion, with scope for further growth, particularly in new sectors. Ambassador Srinivas highlighted Indian investments in metallurgy and steel, alongside growing cooperation in green hydrogen.

“Investments happen from India in areas such as metallurgy, steel, and new areas have been added such as green hydrogen. The trade bilateral is around $10.4 billion and has a lot of potential to grow in the times to come,” he said, adding that people-to-people ties through education and capacity building continue to strengthen relations.

Packed schedule in Muscat

PM Modi’s visit to Oman, lasting less than 24 hours, will include delegation-level talks with the Sultan of Oman, a one-to-one meeting, participation in a business summit, and interactions with the Indian community and students.

Strengthening a long-standing partnership

The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman and is expected to include a comprehensive review of cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture and culture.

Ahead of his departure, PM Modi said, “In Muscat, I look forward to my discussions with His Majesty the Sultan of Oman, and towards strengthening our Strategic Partnership as well as our strong commercial and economic relationship. I will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, which has contributed immensely to the country's development and in enhancing our partnership.”

PM Modi’s Oman visit will conclude his three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman on December 17–18, with both sides expected to outline a roadmap for deeper engagement across traditional and future-facing sectors.