NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Muscat, Oman for a two-day visit, kickstarting his third and final leg of his three-nation tour to the Middle East and Africa.He was received at the airport by Oman’s deputy PM for defence affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, and was accorded a guard of honour. The visit is at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman and marks PM’s second trip to the Gulf nation as well as 70 years of diplomatic relations between both countries.Upon landing in Oman, the PM said in a post on X, “Landed in Muscat, Oman. This is a land of enduring friendship and deep historical connections with India. This visit offers an opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration and add fresh momentum to our partnership.” PM was welcomed by the members of Indian diaspora as he arrived at the hotel of his stay. During the visit PM Modi will hold talks with the country’s top leadership and is expected to sign a comprehensive trade agreement aimed at deepening bilateral ties. New Delhi has indicated that it is “very optimistic” about finalising the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) during the visit. The proposed free trade agreement was approved by the Union cabinet last Friday. Negotiations for the CEPA formally began in November 2023 and were concluded this year. “We are all very optimistic about it. The teams from both sides have been working very hard for its early finalisation,” MEA secretary Arun Chatterjee said earlier.“We have immense faith that this agreement, if signed during this visit, will significantly deepen the economic ties between India and Oman. And it will open up a new chapter in the history of India-Oman trade and commercial relationship,” he added.During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold discussions with Sultan Tarik on strengthening the strategic partnership, with a focus on trade, investment and economic cooperation. He is also expected to address the Indian diaspora in Oman. “This visit will be an opportunity for both sides to comprehensively review the bilateral partnership, including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture and culture, as well as exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” MEA said in a statement.(With inputs from PTI)
