Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: India and Oman on signed a historic free trade agreement, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on December 18 comprehensively reviewed the multi-faceted Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability. PM Modi, who arrived in Oman on the last leg of his three-nation tour, was welcomed by Sultan Haitham at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat before their one-on-one talks and the delegation-level meeting.
“Today, we are taking a historic step forward in India-Oman relations, whose positive impact will be felt for decades to come. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will energise our ties in the 21st century,” Modi said, describing the pact as “a new and golden chapter” of bilateral cooperation.
He said the agreement will give new momentum to trade and investment, and open new opportunities across different sectors. During the meeting, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations, spanning trade, investment, defence, security, technology, education, energy, space, agriculture, culture and people-to-people ties.
“The two sides commended the deepening cooperation in the defence sector and agreed to continue working together in this regard, including joint exercises, training, and high-level visits to achieve shared goals and contribute towards maintaining regional security and stability,” said a joint statement issued after their talks. They adopted a joint vision document on maritime cooperation, reflecting their shared commitment to regional maritime security, the blue economy, and sustainable use of ocean resources, it added.