During his ongoing visit to Muscat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been given the First Class of the Order of Oman, the highest civil award of the Gulf state, thus placing him in the same company as world leaders like Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, Emperor Akihito and King Abdullah of Jordan. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik gave the honour during an extraordinary ceremony on Thursday, an event in the history of relations between India and Oman.
Order of Oman Awarded During State Visit
Modi was awarded the honour in an official ceremony that was held at the Al Baraka Palace, where he was received by Sultan Haitham. It was accompanied by a ceremonial reception, bilateral conversations and the signing of major agreements. Officials indicated that the distinction acknowledges the efforts of Modi towards intensifying cooperation between India and Oman in strategic, economic, defence, and cultural domains.
The honour makes Modi the recipient of his 29th international award and one of the most prestigious recognitions given to a foreign leader by Oman.
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CEPA Signed to Boost Trade and Investment
The event was accompanied by the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman – a significant milestone that was aimed at boosting bilateral trade, creating a new market and spurring the flow of investment.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the agreement will make supply chains stronger, enhance employment, and increase market accessibility on both sides of the business. The agreement will substantially increase bilateral trade and enhance long-term economic engagement.
Talks Cover Defence, Energy, Technology and Regional Issues
At closed-door meetings, Modi and Sultan Haitham shared opinions on very diverse topics that included defence cooperation, maritime security, energy relations, agricultural relationships, and the emerging technological avenues. The officials noted that the two leaders also discussed developments in the region and international issues of mutual concern.
The relationships between India and Oman are historically close, and the Sultanate is a crucial participant in the Western Indian Ocean security structure and supply chain of energy of India.
PM Addresses Business Forum, Highlights India’s Economic Reforms
Modi also spoke at the India-Oman Business Forum. During this event, he described how India had undertaken reforms in the last ten years. He urged Omani businesspeople to consider new prospects in manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, and digital technology.
He emphasised the emergence of India as one of the most competitive markets in the world, with reference to the digital change, infrastructure development and policy changes as the basis of attracting foreign investment in India.
A Moment of Diplomatic Significance
India and Oman have 70 years of diplomatic experience, which is backed by the millennia-old cultural and people-to-people relations between the two countries. Almost 700,000 Indians are employed and reside in Oman and play a major role in terms of trade, healthcare, education, infrastructure and government services.
Modi’s 2018 visit to Muscat had already bolstered some political interaction between the two nations. The most recent state visit, topped by the greatest civilian honour, is indicative of increased trust amidst increased interaction of India in the Gulf region.
Looking Ahead
As the CEPA has been signed and strategic cooperation is growing, the officials predict that the next step in the India-Oman relationship will focus on investment cooperation, integration of supply chains, and energy-sharing models. Analysts believe that the honour placed by Modi is an indication of Oman’s commitment to its relationship with India at a time of growing geopolitical and economic realignment in the Gulf.
The visit by Modi, as the last stage of his three-nation tour, will be a landmark in the diplomacy between the two nations, as it is formed by mutual interests, growing economic presence, and long-standing cultural connections.
