Oman and India will sign free trade agreement today, Prime Minister Modi reached Muscat

Muscat (Oman), December 18: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Muscat, the capital of Oman, in the last leg of his three-nation visit. He will stay for two days. During this, he will talk to the top leadership of Oman. A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be signed between the two countries today in the presence of Prime Minister Modi. Prime Minister Modi, who reached Muscat on Wednesday, was warmly welcomed by Indians at the hotel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared memorable moments on his arrival in Muscat on his official X handle. The landmark free trade agreement between India and Oman was approved by the Union Cabinet last Friday. Negotiations for this agreement, officially named as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), formally began in November 2023. Final negotiations were completed this year. Prime Minister Modi will hold discussions with Sultan Tariq in Oman. He will also address a gathering of NRIs. On arrival in Muscat, Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed at the airport by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Sayeed. The Prime Minister was given a guard of honour. Modi has reached Oman on the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. This is his second visit to the Gulf country. It also marks the completion of 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. Prime Minister Modi wrote on X, “Many thanks to Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Saeed, Deputy Prime Minister (Defence Affairs) of Oman for the warm welcome at Muscat Airport. We also had a very good conversation, in which we shared our views on India-Oman friendship.” Prime Minister Modi arrived in Oman after completing a successful visit to Jordan and Ethiopia. Prime Minister Modi, in a message on X, highlighted the enduring relations between the two countries. He said, “Landed in Muscat, Oman. It is the land of enduring friendship and deep historical ties with India. This visit provides an opportunity to explore new avenues of cooperation and give new impetus to our partnership.” The Prime Minister said that he is grateful for the warm welcome received in Oman. The love and enthusiasm of the Indian community here truly reflects the strong people-to-people ties between India and Oman.