India and Oman Accelerate CEPA Talks to Strengthen Economic Partnership
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, kicked off his official visit to Oman with a significant meeting with Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion. The two ministers focused on advancing negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during their discussions, aiming to bolster bilateral trade, investment, and collaboration between the two nations.
Minister Goyal expressed optimism about the progress made in the CEPA negotiations, highlighting that the talks would gain additional momentum during the upcoming Joint Commission Meeting (JCM). This visit underscores India’s dedication to enhancing its trade and investment relations with Oman, a key member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The visit also saw Minister Goyal participating in India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations at the Indian Embassy in Muscat. The event was attended by Minister Al Yousef, senior Omani officials, and members of the Indian diaspora. A key highlight was the performance of Sur Sandook: India-Oman Jukebox, which celebrated the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations.
Minister Goyal is in Muscat from January 27–28, 2025, for the 11th Joint Commission Meeting with his Omani counterpart. The ongoing CEPA negotiations, which are in their advanced stages, are expected to gain further momentum during the visit, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial agreement.
In 2023-24, bilateral trade between India and Oman reached $8.94 billion, highlighting the strength and depth of their economic relationship. Both countries are working towards a CEPA that will reflect their shared economic priorities and deliver commercially significant outcomes.
