On his official social media, Goyal expressed optimism about the discussions, stating that they centered on enhancing trade and investment ties between the two nations. He also highlighted the intention to explore further avenues for deepening the bilateral partnership. In anticipation of the 11th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), which will take place from January 27-28, Goyal noted that the talks would focus on “advancing CEPA negotiations and strengthening economic cooperation.”

India views Oman as a key partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with bilateral trade surpassing USD 8.94 billion in 2023-2024. As part of the ongoing effort to enhance these ties, the two countries are in the advanced stages of negotiating the CEPA. The agreement aims to create a commercially significant, balanced, and mutually beneficial framework that will bolster trade and investment across multiple sectors.

During his visit, Goyal is accompanied by a business delegation that will participate in the Joint Business Council meeting between the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The discussions are expected to cover a range of topics, including the global economic landscape and investment opportunities.

In addition to his meetings with Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Goyal is scheduled to meet with other prominent Omani officials, including Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance and Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee for CEPA, and Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, President of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ). These interactions aim to further strengthen economic ties and explore new areas for collaboration.

Goyal’s visit underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its relations with Oman and advancing economic partnerships in the region. The progress made during the trip is expected to contribute significantly to fostering long-term, mutually beneficial ties between the two nations.

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India issued a statement on social media reaffirming the country’s ongoing commitment to the Global South. It emphasized the importance of the assistance in strengthening São Tomé and Príncipe’s public health system, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges.

“India reaffirms its commitment to the Global South. Humanitarian assistance of medical supplies comprising life-saving and essential medicines, including insulin, blood glucose monitors, and strips, human albumin, ORS, etc., has been dispatched to São Tomé and Príncipe. This assistance will help strengthen the public health services of São Tomé and Príncipe,” the MEA statement read.

This is not the first time India has extended its helping hand to São Tomé and Príncipe. Over the years, the two countries have built a strong partnership, with India providing significant aid to support the island nation’s development. In 2019, India gifted 150 computers to São Tomé and Príncipe to enhance the information technology capabilities of its ministries and secondary schools. The following year, India donated medicines worth Euro 95,000 (approximately USD 111,150) to the country, further solidifying its role as a reliable partner in times of need.

In 2023, India again came to the aid of São Tomé and Príncipe with a donation of life-saving drugs and generic medicines valued at USD 25,000. This ongoing support highlights the long-standing friendship between the two nations, which dates back to São Tomé and Príncipe’s independence from Portugal in 1975.

The bilateral relationship between India and São Tomé and Príncipe has grown steadily over the years, with both countries engaging in high-level diplomatic exchanges. Leaders from both nations have met at various international forums, such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). One notable milestone was the visit of Dr. Carlos Alberto Pires Tiny, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation & Communities of São Tomé and Príncipe, to India in 2009—marking the first high-level visit between the two countries since the island nation gained independence.

São Tomé and Príncipe has also expressed its support for India on the global stage, particularly in the context of India’s bid for a Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council. In recognition of India’s role in promoting South-South cooperation and its contributions to international peacekeeping, São Tomé and Príncipe pledged to back India’s aspirations, as well as its candidacy for a Non-Permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2011-2012 term.

India’s latest humanitarian aid reinforces the nation’s long-standing commitment to the well-being and development of countries in the Global South, marking another chapter in the enduring friendship between India and São Tomé and Príncipe.

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On Sunday, PM Modi was received with a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour at the Bayan Palace. Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of Kuwait, welcomed him ahead of his talks with the Emir. Reflecting on the long-standing friendly relations between the two nations, the leaders expressed their commitment to deepening and broadening bilateral cooperation.

In a post on X, PM Modi shared, “Excellent meeting with His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. We discussed cooperation in key sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, FinTech, Infrastructure, and security. In line with the close ties between our nations, we have elevated our partnership to a strategic one, and I am optimistic that our friendship will flourish even more in the times to come.”

The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to the Amir for ensuring the well-being of the over one million-strong Indian community in Kuwait, acknowledging their contribution to Kuwait’s development. In return, Sheikh Meshal Al-Sabah lauded the Indian community for their active role in the progress of Kuwait.

PM Modi congratulated Kuwait on its initiatives under Vision 2035 and praised the successful hosting of the recent GCC Summit. He also expressed appreciation for being invited as the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the Arabian Gulf Cup’s opening ceremony. The Emir reciprocated the sentiments, expressing optimism about India’s increasing role in Kuwait’s Vision 2035 initiatives and strengthening ties in the Gulf region.

In a historic gesture, PM Modi was conferred the prestigious Mubarak Al-Kabeer Medal, one of Kuwait’s highest honors, awarded to Heads of State and foreign dignitaries.

As part of the discussions, PM Modi extended an invitation to the Kuwaiti Amir to visit India, further cementing the growing ties between the two nations. This landmark visit underlines the shared vision and commitment of both leaders to foster a deeper and more strategic partnership in the years ahead.

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