Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the India–Oman Business Forum in Muscat, highlighting the strong and long-standing relationship between the two countries and urging businesses to deepen cooperation, especially in the energy sector. The event was attended by senior leaders from both sides, including Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion Qais Al Youssef, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal Al Rawas, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and CII President Rajiv Memani. Business leaders from key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, logistics, manufacturing, green development, and financial services were also present.
In his address, the Prime Minister spoke about the centuries-old maritime trade links between India and Oman, from Mandvi to Muscat, which continue to support strong commercial ties today. He said that 70 years of diplomatic relations reflect deep trust and friendship built over generations. He called the proposed India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, a roadmap for the shared future of both nations. According to him, CEPA can bring fresh momentum to trade and investment and open new opportunities for growth and jobs.
Focusing on energy, Prime Minister Modi encouraged Omani companies to expand their engagement beyond traditional areas such as oil, gas, petrochemicals, and fertilisers. He invited them to explore emerging opportunities in green energy, solar power, energy storage systems, smart grids, and clean technologies. He said India is moving quickly to build large-scale renewable energy capacity and modern energy infrastructure, creating strong demand for investment, technology, and partnerships. He noted that cooperation in clean energy can help both countries meet their climate goals while ensuring energy security.
The Prime Minister also spoke about India’s economic progress over the last 11 years, saying the country is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy. He pointed to the recent growth of over 8 percent despite global uncertainty, showing the strength and resilience of the Indian economy. He said India is investing heavily in infrastructure, logistics, connectivity, and manufacturing, while also promoting green growth and trusted supply chains to improve ease of doing business.
To support future-focused cooperation, he proposed the creation of an India–Oman Agri Innovation Hub and an India–Oman Innovation Bridge, which could also support collaboration in clean energy and new technologies. He stressed that these ideas are practical opportunities for businesses to invest and innovate together.
The Prime Minister appreciated the strong participation of business leaders and urged them to work closely with policymakers to unlock the full potential of CEPA. He concluded by saying that India and Oman are not just close neighbours, but strategic partners committed to stability, sustainable energy growth, and shared prosperity.
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