The Aryavarth Express
Muscat (Oman):
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat on Thursday, where the two leaders held discussions aimed at further strengthening the India–Oman strategic partnership.
During his engagements, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the expanding role of education and space cooperation in deepening bilateral ties. He described the completion of 50 years of Indian education in Oman as a “major milestone” in relations between the two countries.
The Prime Minister said the India–Oman partnership is becoming future-ready through collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship exchange. Addressing the youth, he urged them to dream big, learn deeply, and innovate boldly so they can contribute meaningfully to humanity.
The interaction was attended by a large gathering of the Indian community in Muscat, including more than 700 students from various Indian schools. This year holds special significance as Indian schools in Oman mark 50 years since their establishment.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi addressed the India–Oman Business Forum, where he highlighted the reforms undertaken by India over the past 11 years that have helped transform the country into one of the world’s most competitive markets. Emphasising the importance of the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), he said the pact would provide renewed confidence to the bilateral partnership and open new avenues for economic cooperation.
“Over the past 11 years, India has not just changed policies, India has changed its economic DNA,” the Prime Minister said. He cited landmark initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, noting that GST unified India into a single market, while the insolvency framework brought financial discipline, improved transparency and strengthened investor confidence.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Muscat on Wednesday for a two-day visit, the final leg of his three-nation tour after successful visits to Jordan and Ethiopia. On arrival, he was welcomed at the airport by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, and was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour, reflecting the importance Oman attaches to the visit.
PM Modi also lauded the enthusiasm of the Indian diaspora in Oman, calling it a reflection of the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, is expected to focus on further strengthening the India–Oman strategic partnership and giving it fresh direction and momentum.
