New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Thursday awarded the Order of Oman, the Sultanate’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The award was presented by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik during Modi’s two day visit to Oman, the final stop of his three nation tour that also included Jordan and Ethiopia.
The honour comes a day after the Prime Minister received Ethiopia’s top national award, adding to a growing list of international recognitions. With this, Modi has now been conferred more than 28 top civilian awards by foreign governments, reflecting India’s expanding global engagement under his leadership.
The visit to Muscat coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. Both sides used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation across key areas including trade, investment, energy, defence and cultural exchanges. Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome on arrival, underlining the significance Oman places on its partnership with India.
Alongside the high level engagements, India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at boosting trade while protecting sensitive domestic sectors. India has excluded several products from duty concessions under the pact to safeguard the interests of farmers, small businesses and labour intensive industries.
Products kept out of tariff concessions include dairy items, tea, coffee, rubber and tobacco, as well as gold and silver bullion, jewellery, footwear, sports goods and certain metal scraps. The decision reflects India’s effort to balance market access with domestic economic priorities.
For select Omani exports considered sensitive, India has adopted a tariff rate quota system. Under this mechanism, limited quantities receive reduced duties, while imports beyond the quota attract normal tariffs. Items such as dates, marble and petrochemical products fall under this category. Notably, Oman has allowed Indian companies to import marble blocks, despite restrictions on such exports within the Gulf region.
The agreements and honours together signal a renewed momentum in India Oman relations, anchored in strategic trust and economic cooperation.
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