 "PM Modi wraps up his Oman visit.")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his high‑profile visit to Oman on Thursday, leaving behind a trail of strengthened ties and symbolic gestures that reflect the deepening relationship between India and the Gulf nation. The visit was the final leg of Modi’s three‑nation tour, which also included Jordan and Ethiopia.
At Muscat International Airport, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, the Sultanate’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs and brother of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, personally bid farewell to PM Modi. In a moment widely shared on social media, Sayyid Shihab was seen offering a traditional Indian greeting with a folded‑hands ‘Namaste’ as Modi waved goodbye.
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During the visit, Oman’s leadership conferred on PM Modi The First Class of the Order of Oman , the Sultanate’s highest civilian honour. The award recognises Modi’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and comes as India and Oman celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties.
Modi dedicated the honour to the “warmth and affection between the 1.4 billion people of India and the people of Oman.”
The accolade adds to Modi’s growing list of international honours, including awards from countries such as Ethiopia and Kuwait.
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One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman, described by both sides as a “milestone” in bilateral relations. Leaders said the pact will significantly strengthen economic cooperation and investment flows between the two nations.
The agreement is expected to widen market access for Indian businesses and deepen collaboration across sectors including trade, energy, technology, defence and agriculture.
Officials also witnessed the exchange of key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements on areas such as scientific research, skills development and maritime heritage.
Modi’s visit was not just about formal agreements. He engaged with the Indian diaspora at the ‘Maitri Parv’ event in Muscat, celebrating cultural bonds between India and Oman. Hundreds of Indians living in the Gulf nation greeted him with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”.