News Desk, Asom Barta, December 18, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Oman’s highest civilian honor, ‘The First Class of the Order of Oman’, by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Al Baraka Palace in Muscat on Thursday.
The prestigious award recognizes PM Modi’s significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between India and Oman.
Receiving the honor, PM Modi described it as a symbol of the deep-rooted friendship and trust between the people of India and Oman over centuries. He dedicated the award to the citizens of both nations.
Notably, this is the 29th highest foreign civilian award received by PM Modi. Previous recipients include global figures like Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, Japan’s Emperor Akihito, and Jordan’s King Abdullah.
The two-day visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. During the trip, both leaders emphasized deepening strategic partnerships in trade, investment, energy, defense, culture, and other sectors.
A major highlight was the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a landmark free trade pact aimed at boosting bilateral trade, reducing tariffs, and opening new avenues for cooperation.
The agreement was signed by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Salim Al Yusuf, in the presence of PM Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
In bilateral talks at the palace, the leaders exchanged views on mutual interests, regional issues, and global challenges. PM Modi highlighted Oman as a key strategic partner and called for enhanced collaboration in green energy, digital technology, and agriculture.
Diplomatic circles view this visit as opening a new chapter in India’s Middle East policy. With nearly 700, 000 Indian expatriates in Oman, people-to-people ties further strengthen the bond between the two nations.
PM Modi’s successful trip is expected to pave the way for enduring friendship and prosperity between India and Oman.
