Modi’s Oman Trip: Forging Deeper Ties Amid Regional Shifts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Oman on December 17, part of a broader tour including Jordan and Ethiopia from December 15-18, arrives at a pivotal moment as both countries aim to bolster their alliance against a backdrop of regional instability, trade tensions, ongoing conflicts, shifting energy landscapes, and new connectivity initiatives. The trip coincides with fragile calm in the area following the Gaza ceasefire and celebrates 70 YEARS of diplomatic relations. It is Modi’s second visit to Oman since 2018, following Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s trip to India in December 2023.
Oman’s value to India extends well beyond shared geography and longstanding historical connections. In earlier decades, when many regional neighbors leaned toward Pakistan and viewed India with reservation, Oman maintained open channels. Amid a volatile Middle East, Oman stands out for its stable, peaceful approach, grounded in moderation, mediation, and careful neutrality on contentious issues.
For India, Oman serves as a cornerstone of its West Asia strategy, with ties evolving into a formal strategic partnership in 2008. Oman was honored as a guest nation during India’s G20 presidency in 2023. Defense and security cooperation, guided by a 2005 memorandum, is central: Oman is the only Gulf state conducting joint exercises with all three branches of India’s armed forces. Indian naval vessels have patrolled the Gulf of Oman for anti-piracy since 2012-13, and Oman grants transit rights for Indian military flights. The 2018 Duqm Port logistics agreement provides vital support for Indian Navy operations, aiding oversight of increasing Chinese naval presence.
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Economic links are growing, with bilateral trade reaching $10.613 billion in FY 2024-25 and Omani investments in India totaling $605.57 million since 2000. The Oman-India Joint Investment Fund has committed $600 million. Digital finance advances include a 2022 agreement linking payment systems and introducing RuPay cards in Oman.
The visit presents opportunities to elevate cooperation in trade, investment, defense, maritime security, energy, connectivity, and technology. An India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is expected, positioning Oman as India’s second such partner in the region after the UAE. Discussions may advance space collaboration, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, green energy transitions, and strategic petroleum storage. Defense deals could include joint manufacturing, Tejas aircraft, naval vessels, radars, and Jaguar spares. Education and health ties might expand with Indian institutes establishing campuses in Oman.
Ultimately, this engagement transcends standard diplomacy, reinforcing India’s longest-standing Gulf strategic partnership in a dynamic region and opening avenues for enhanced collaboration.