PM’s 3-Nation Tour Concludes with Oman Visit

Why in News ?

Narendra Modi wrapped up a whirlwind three-nation tour — visiting Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman — culminating with his landing in Oman’s Muscat on December 17, 2025. His visit to Oman marks the final leg of the tour, and underscores New Delhi’s renewed push to deepen strategic, economic and cultural ties with West Asia and Africa. 

Background & Context

• The tour started December 15, 2025, with India seeking to strengthen diplomatic ties with Jordan (marking 75 years of formal ties), engage with Ethiopia — part of India’s Africa outreach, and finally visit Oman under a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”. 
• India–Oman relations go back decades, anchored in historical maritime trade, a large Indian expatriate community, and strategic location — making Oman a cornerstone of India’s Gulf and Indian Ocean diplomacy. 
• The visit comes amid global geopolitical flux in West Asia and growing importance of Gulf ties for energy, trade, security and diaspora links for India. 

About Oman 

• Capital: Muscat
• Location: Southeast Arabian Peninsula; controls access near the Strait of Hormuz.
• Political System: Monarchy
• Strategic Importance for India: Maritime security, energy supplies, access to Duqm Port.
• Indian Diaspora: ~7 lakh, strengthening people-to-people ties.

India–Oman Relations: Snapshot

• Historical Links: Over 2,000 years of Indian Ocean trade.
• Diplomatic Ties: Established in 1955.
• Defence Cooperation: Defence pact (2005); naval exercises; Duqm port access.
• Economic Ties: Energy cooperation; growing trade, logistics, and infrastructure links.
• Current Status: Evolving strategic partnership, with talks on India–Oman CEPA.

What Happened During the Oman Visit

• On arrival in Muscat, PM Modi was received by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs with ceremonial honours. 
• The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman — a symbolic backdrop underlining the long-standing partnership. 
• Key agenda items include signing (or finalising) a major trade pact — the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) / Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aimed at deepening trade, investment, energy, and strategic cooperation. 
• Talks will cover a broad spectrum: trade & commerce, energy, defence & security cooperation, technology collaboration, investment flows, diaspora engagement, and regional/global geopolitical issues. 
• The PM is also expected to address the Indian diaspora in Oman — a significant community that plays a role in bilateral socio-economic links. 

Significance of the Visit

• Strategic Diversification: With stagnation in broader multilateral institutions and shifting Gulf geopolitics, bilateral ties with Oman give India flexibility and access to critical energy, maritime routes, and defense cooperation. 
• Economic Expansion: The proposed CEPA/FTA is expected to boost trade in key sectors — energy, hydrocarbons, maritime services, labour, and investible flows. It helps India deepen its Gulf trade beyond oil-centric cooperation. 
• Diaspora Diplomacy & Soft Power: With a large Indian community in Oman, engaging diaspora strengthens cultural bonds and reflects India’s people-centred diplomacy. 
• Geopolitical Outreach: The visit reinforces India’s growing global outreach to West Asia–Africa corridor, aligning with its vision of being a stable partner in a volatile region.