Oman-India
Business Forum Explores Economic Partnership Opportunities

Muscat,
18 Dec 2025 (ONA) — The Oman-India Business Forum, convened at Al Bustan
Palace Hotel today, focused on reviewing promising investment opportunities
within the Sultanate of Oman and forging a stronger economic partnership with
the Republic of India. The forum served to elevate bilateral ties to new
heights and establish innovative channels for collaboration between the public
and private sectors in both nations.

The
event was organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) in
cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion,
on the occasion of the visit to Oman by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the
Republic of India.

In
his address, the Indian Prime Minister affirmed the shared commitment of both countries’
leadership to elevate economic relations to an advanced level and to foster
private-sector investment in high-potential sectors.

He
stated that the strategic partnership between India and Oman marks a definitive
new direction in bilateral relations, one poised to propel them to greater
heights. He emphasized that the relationship, founded on deep mutual trust and
a spirit of enduring friendship, has grown progressively stronger and more
profound over time.

The
Indian Prime Minister added that the landmark Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will serve as a catalyst to bolster investor
confidence, unlock new opportunities across all sectors of the economy, and
generate significant prospects for growth, innovation, and youth employment in
both countries.

He
also highlighted recent amendments to India’s labour laws, improvements in the
ease of doing business, and the potential for partnership in emerging fields
such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, solar energy, and clean energy. He
stressed the significance of establishing joint innovation centres and creating
shared financing mechanisms to support over 200 companies across both countries.

For
his part, Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and
Investment Promotion, underscored the need to pursue more ambitious goals for
the continued development of bilateral cooperation. This partnership, he noted,
is guided by the shared Oman–India vision titled “A Partnership for the
Future,” which was formally adopted during the historic visit of His Majesty
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India on 16 December 2023, reflecting the
directives of His Majesty the Sultan, the President of India, and the Prime
Minister of India.

The
minister remarked that Oman and India share centuries of robust and deeply
rooted commercial ties. Today, he said, this relationship is built upon a rich
historical legacy and a forward-looking vision, with India now ranking among
Oman’s top three trading partners and within the top ten sources of foreign
direct investment.

He
added that the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
marks a decisive commitment to broaden economic and investment cooperation and
unlock new avenues for shared growth. The agreement represents a strategic
milestone in bilateral relations, offering substantial mutual benefits and
translating the two nations’ common vision of strengthening and expanding trade
and economic engagement for the welfare of both countries’ peoples.

He
emphasised the importance of establishing a systematic follow-up mechanism to
monitor the agreement’s implementation and ensure its benefits are fully
realised. An Omani committee will be formed to maximise the advantages of the
pact, while the existing Oman–India Joint Committee will oversee its execution.
He also expressed hope that the partnership would expand into other vital
fields, covering culture, sports, tourism, innovation, and space sciences.

In
his address, Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry of India,
described the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as a historic
achievement that will foster shared prosperity. He noted that the pact will
boost bilateral trade, streamline business processes, remove barriers to the
movement of goods and services, and enhance market access for businesses in
both countries.

He
highlighted the growing economic momentum between the two nations, with
bilateral trade exceeding USD 10 billion. He underlined the strategic
importance of diversifying and strengthening commercial engagements, with a
focus on key sectors such as investment, tourism, innovation, and technology.

Faisal
bin Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), noted that Oman–India relations exemplify a
productive partnership founded on trust and mutual benefit, strengthened by the
strategic logistical advantages both countries enjoy. Oman’s modern ports,
integrated logistics infrastructure, network of trade agreements, and investor-friendly
policies position it as an attractive investment gateway and a regional
business hub. Within this framework, India stands as one of Oman’s most
significant trading partners, with both sides working continuously to deepen
cooperation in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.

OCCI
Chairman added that the Indian Prime Minister’s visit reaffirms this strategic
direction and opens broader avenues for collaboration in promising sectors,
enabling the establishment of direct partnerships and joint projects that benefit
both economies. He noted that OCCI’s hosting of the Oman–India Business
Dialogue the previous day, with high-level representation from both sides,
aimed to strengthen economic ties and explore joint investment opportunities.

Al
Rowas stated that the forum reinforces the solid foundation of bilateral
economic relations and reaffirms OCCI’s commitment to deepening cooperation
with the Indian private sector, including through a memorandum of understanding
with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). He described the forum as a
qualitative leap in Oman–India economic collaboration, creating new
opportunities for mutually beneficial projects that promote stability,
prosperity, and sustainable development.

Rajiv
Memani, President of the Confederation of Indian Industry, also addressed the
forum, discussing prospects for industrial and investment cooperation and
integration between companies in both countries. He emphasised that the
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will further enhance business
collaboration, particularly in trade, technology, and tourism.

Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign
Trade and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce,
Industry and Investment Promotion, noted that the forum provides a platform for business
leaders from both nations to connect, underscoring a shared desire to advance
trade relations across diverse sectors.

The
forum featured dedicated networking sessions that enabled direct engagement
between Omani and Indian business communities, fostering dialogue on
partnership opportunities and the establishment of new trade and investment
linkages, reflecting the depth of bilateral relations and the mutual commitment
to advancing shared interests.

—
Ends/Khalid