Modi visit underscores Oman partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Muscat on December 17 for a two-day visit that places the spotlight on a partnership shaped by geography, commerce and people-to-people ties across the Arabian Sea. Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, led the welcoming party at Muscat International Airport, receiving the guest and his delegation with ceremonial honours.

The visit marks a milestone year in bilateral relations, commemorating seven decades of diplomatic ties. It is the Prime Minister’s second visit to the Sultanate after his 2018 trip and comes at a time when both sides are seeking to deepen cooperation in trade, energy security, logistics and regional stability. Officials in Muscat and New Delhi have framed the engagement as a signal of continuity in a relationship that has endured leadership changes and shifting regional dynamics.

Oman occupies a strategic position at the mouth of the Gulf, controlling access to the Strait of Hormuz alongside Iran. For decades, Muscat has pursued a balanced foreign policy that emphasises dialogue and mediation, an approach that has given it a distinctive role in regional diplomacy. This positioning has made the Sultanate an important interlocutor for partners looking to safeguard shipping lanes and energy flows amid persistent tensions in West Asia.

Economic ties form a central pillar of the agenda. Bilateral trade has expanded steadily, supported by Omani energy exports and a growing presence of companies from India in sectors such as construction, information technology, healthcare and manufacturing. Oman has also emerged as a gateway for firms seeking access to wider Gulf and African markets, leveraging its ports at Duqm, Sohar and Salalah. Discussions during the visit are expected to focus on removing barriers to investment, streamlining customs procedures and encouraging joint ventures linked to industrial zones.

Energy cooperation remains a key area of engagement. Oman supplies crude oil and liquefied natural gas to buyers in India, while both sides have explored collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen and downstream petrochemicals. Officials have highlighted the potential for partnerships that align Oman’s diversification plans under Vision 2040 with India’s expanding demand for cleaner energy sources and advanced manufacturing inputs.

The visit also carries a strong social dimension, reflecting the presence of a large expatriate community from India that has lived and worked in the Sultanate for generations. These residents contribute across sectors ranging from education and healthcare to small businesses and skilled professions. Bilateral mechanisms addressing labour welfare, skills development and mobility are expected to feature in talks, alongside efforts to enhance cultural exchanges and educational links.

Security cooperation has gained prominence in recent years, particularly in maritime safety and counter-piracy. Naval exercises, training exchanges and intelligence sharing have helped build trust between defence establishments. With the Arabian Sea and adjoining waters witnessing increased strategic competition, both sides see value in coordination that supports freedom of navigation and protects commercial shipping without escalating tensions.

Diplomatic observers note that the timing of the visit underscores Oman’s role as a stable partner amid regional uncertainty. Muscat has maintained channels with a wide range of actors, enabling it to host quiet diplomacy when tensions rise. Engagement with India complements this approach, offering economic diversification and a broader set of international partnerships without compromising the Sultanate’s tradition of strategic autonomy.

From New Delhi’s perspective, Oman fits into a wider outreach to Gulf partners that combines economic diplomacy with security cooperation and diaspora engagement. The emphasis has been on practical outcomes, including investment facilitation, connectivity projects and institutional dialogue that can withstand political cycles. Officials have pointed to the durability of ties with Muscat as evidence of a shared preference for steady, incremental progress.