PM Modi gets Oman’s highest honour:Both countries sign free trade pact CEPA; Indian Prime Minister says the treaty will give new energy to bilateral relations

India and Oman signed a trade agreement, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will shape relations between the two countries for many years. He called it a plan for their shared future and stronger cooperation. Highlighting the close ties, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik honoured PM Modi with the Order of Oman, the Sultanate’s special civilian award, for his efforts to strengthen relations between India and Oman. Addressing the India-Oman Business Summit in Muscat, Modi appreciated the strong ties between the two countries. He also appealed to startups to invest in India, experiment with new ideas, and move forward together with India and Oman. Prime Minister Modi said, Today we are taking a historic step whose impact will be felt for decades. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, will give us new confidence and energy in the 21st century. It is a blueprint for our shared future. This will boost our trade, bring new confidence to investments, and open doors to new opportunities in every sector. Also Read | India and Oman sign free trade deal, giving 98% of Indian exports zero-duty and broader access for traditional medicines Also Read | PM Modi says India, Jordan share similar stance on terrorism PM Modi says friendship with Oman will not change Arriving in Oman, Prime Minister Modi said on Thursday that no matter how the seasons change, India’s friendship with Oman will remain constant. He also addressed the Indian diaspora in the capital, Muscat. Praising the expatriates, he said that wherever they go, they appreciate the diversity of the places they visit. Also Read | ‘Our friendship brewing strong, like Indian tea and Ethiopian coffee,’ PM Modi addresses Ethiopian Parliament PM Modi to meet Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Modi will meet Sultan Haitham bin Tariq today. During the meeting, both leaders will hold a bilateral discussion, and a free trade agreement between India and Oman will be signed. This agreement will directly benefit sectors such as textiles, footwear, automobiles, gems and jewellery, renewable energy, and auto components. Negotiations on this agreement had started in November 2023. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Wednesday evening. At the airport, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, welcomed Modi. The leaders also held formal talks, and in the evening, Al Said hosted a dinner for PM Modi. Pictures from PM Modi’s arrival in Oman