India–Oman joint statement: CEPA signed; focus on energy, maritime security, tech and diaspora welfare

Leaders signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and adopted a maritime cooperation vision document during Modi’s Dec 17–18 Oman visit, the MEA said.

India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the Sultanate on December 17–18, 2025, and adopted a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a joint statement issued on December 18.

The two sides said the CEPA is intended to reduce trade barriers and create a stable framework to expand trade, investment flows and job creation, while encouraging private sector participation in both countries.

The agreements come as both countries seek to lock in supply-chain resilience and investment linkages in the Gulf, with India positioning itself as a manufacturing and services hub and Oman pitching itself as a logistics and energy gateway under Vision 2040. The joint statement frames the relationship as a “multifaceted strategic partnership” between maritime neighbours.

The leaders noted scope to diversify bilateral trade in sectors including textiles, automobiles, chemicals, equipment and fertilisers, and took note of discussions on mechanisms to facilitate trade in local currencies.

They also welcomed progress on a Bilateral Investment Treaty, describing it as supportive of an investor-friendly environment.

India and Oman discussed expanding energy cooperation, including collaboration in exploration and production opportunities in India and globally, and new and renewable energy cooperation in green hydrogen and green ammonia, the statement said.

The two sides flagged proposed joint investments, technology transfer and long-term collaboration aligned with their sustainable energy goals.

The leaders agreed to deepen defence cooperation through joint exercises, training and high-level visits, and to enhance maritime domain awareness and information exchange to prevent maritime crimes and piracy.

During the visit, both sides adopted the Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation, linking regional maritime security with blue economy priorities and sustainable ocean-resource use.

The joint statement listed seven signings and adoptions during the visit, including the CEPA; MoUs on maritime heritage and museums, agriculture and allied sectors, and higher education; an MoU between the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and CII; and an executive programme for millet cultivation and agri-food innovation.

The two sides also noted proposals to establish an Ayush chair at Oman’s National University of Science and Technology, an ICCR chair programme of Indian Studies at Sohar University, and an upcoming maiden voyage of INSV Kaundinya to Oman as part of maritime heritage outreach.

Oman expressed interest in discussing air service traffic rights, including number of destinations and code-sharing provisions; India said it took note of the request.

India thanked Oman for the welfare of an Indian community of around 675,000 residents in the Sultanate, while Oman recognised the diaspora’s contribution to development, the statement said.

Both sides condemned terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations” and underlined continued cooperation, the joint statement said.

They also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, called for safe and timely delivery of aid, welcomed the signing of the first phase of a Gaza Peace Plan, and reiterated support for efforts toward a just and lasting resolution including a sovereign, independent Palestinian state.