Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, marking the beginning of his official engagements in the Sultanate.
The visit to Oman is the final leg of the Prime Minister’s four-day, three-nation tour and comes after the conclusion of his engagements in Ethiopia. Scheduled from December 17 to 18, the visit is being undertaken at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and marks Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to the country.
The visit holds particular significance as India and Oman share a comprehensive strategic partnership rooted in centuries-old historical links, longstanding trade relations and strong people-to-people ties. It also coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and follows the State visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India in December 2023.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said the visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to comprehensively review the bilateral partnership and explore avenues for deeper cooperation across sectors.
As part of his engagements in Oman, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to address members of the Indian diaspora, continuing his outreach to the Indian community abroad.
Ahead of the visit, Oman’s Ambassador to India, Sheikh Humaid Bin Ali Bin Sultan Al-Mani, described Prime Minister Modi’s trip to Muscat as a significant milestone in bilateral relations, especially as both countries mark 70 years of diplomatic ties.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Oman after completing his maiden visit to Ethiopia, during which India and Ethiopia elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. During the visit, he held extensive talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, witnessed the exchange of several memoranda of understanding across sectors, addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, and was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.
-ANI
