India and Oman on Thursday agreed to expand cooperation across key sectors, including trade, maritime heritage, agriculture, education and maritime security, following the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Sultanate.
Among the major outcomes of the visit was progress on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at strengthening economic and commercial integration between the two countries. The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade by reducing trade barriers, creating a stable and predictable framework, and unlocking opportunities across major sectors of the economy. It is also expected to enhance economic growth, generate employment and increase investment flows on both sides.
The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of Maritime Heritage and Museums. The agreement establishes a collaborative partnership to support maritime museums, including India’s National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal. It will facilitate the exchange of artefacts and expertise, joint exhibitions, research initiatives and capacity-building programmes to promote shared maritime heritage, strengthen cultural ties and boost tourism.
In the agriculture sector, India and Oman signed an MoU covering agriculture and allied areas, including animal husbandry and fisheries. The framework agreement provides for cooperation in agricultural science and technology, horticulture development, integrated farming systems and micro-irrigation practices.
An MoU was also signed in the field of higher education to promote the exchange of faculty members, researchers and scholars, and to undertake joint research, particularly applied research, in areas of mutual interest. The initiative aims to generate new knowledge and innovative practices to support human and socio-economic development goals.
The two sides further adopted an Executive Programme for cooperation in millet cultivation and agri-food innovation. The programme seeks to leverage India’s scientific expertise and Oman’s favourable agro-climatic conditions to advance millet production, research and promotion.
India and Oman also adopted a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration in regional maritime security, the blue economy and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
The outcomes of the Prime Minister’s visit underscore the growing depth of India–Oman relations and reflect a shared commitment to expanding strategic cooperation across economic, cultural and security domains.
