During his speech to the Indian diaspora in Muscat, Oman, on December 18, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s economic resiliency. Speaking at the Maitri Parv program, he emphasized that despite a global downturn, India’s economy continues to develop at the quickest rate among major economies.
India’s growth exceeded 8% according to recent figures, despite challenges facing the world’s top countries.
Modi noted that India maintains high growth rates while the biggest economies in the world fight for meager gains of a few percent. This performance highlights the country’s potential and future. Despite challenges including high US tariffs on Indian exports, India’s GDP, which is currently the fourth largest in the world, increased by 8.2% in the quarter that ended in September, up from 7.8% earlier.
The Prime Minister connected this expansion to India’s growing presence in the world as a center of talent and innovation. He pointed out that India solves problems for millions of people throughout the world in addition to its own. He continued, “Indian expertise has greatly benefited global brands.”
Modi emphasized India’s manufacturing capabilities, especially its status as the second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones worldwide. He said, “If you are carrying your phone, it must have ‘Made in India’ written on it,” demonstrating the real-world effects of such accomplishments.
He described Oman as especially unique and linked India’s growth narrative to its connections with the Gulf region. With Oman being India’s third-largest export destination among Gulf Cooperation Council countries, bilateral ties transcend geographical boundaries. In 2024–2025, trade reached USD 10.5 billion, indicating increased economic involvement.
Modi called the Indian community in Oman “guardians of centuries-old ties” and commended them as a “living example” of harmony and collaboration. His three-nation tour, which included Ethiopia and Jordan, came to an end with this visit, demonstrating India’s aggressive diplomacy in West Asia and Africa.
Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik had in-depth discussions about the India-Oman Strategic Partnership during the Oman leg. Alongside the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the leaders looked into ways to improve bilateral relations. For his contributions to these relations, Modi received the Sultanate’s highest civilian honor, the Order of Oman.
The signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was a significant result. 98% of Indian exports to Oman, including textiles, agricultural products, and leather goods, are eligible for duty-free entry under this agreement. India will reduce duties on Omani goods including petrochemicals, dates, and marbles in exchange.
The deal, which is scheduled to go into force in the first quarter of 2026, is expected to increase trade, investment, and opportunity in a variety of industries. According to Modi, it is a historic action that will have positive effects for decades and provide 21st-century connections fresh impetus. It arrives as India negotiates obstacles like 50% US tariffs, establishing Oman as a crucial entry point to the region and Africa.
Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs, said Modi farewell with a namaste at the airport. Modi praised Sultan Haitham, the Omani government, and the people for their hospitality on X. He emphasized the advantages of the CEPA for young people and advancement in cutting-edge fields.
According to Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesman for the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit “touched hearts and strengthened bonds.” After making significant progress, Modi left for India, capping an exciting four-day journey.
Modi’s first visit to Ethiopia earlier strengthened relations to a Strategic Partnership. He spoke with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, observed exchanges of memorandums of understanding, and spoke to Parliament, referring to the countries as “natural partners” in connectivity, security, and peace. As the first world leader to do so, he was bestowed with Ethiopia’s highest honor, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.
India and Jordan signed Memorandums of Understanding on digital infrastructure, water management, renewable energy, and culture in Jordan, the tour’s first destination. The goal of these agreements is to strengthen friendship between the two parties.
Throughout, Modi reaffirmed India’s 21st-century transformative strategy, which calls for making audacious decisions quickly, establishing challenging objectives, and producing outcomes on schedule. Themes of coexistence and the contributions of India’s diaspora were reaffirmed through interactions with students and the diaspora.
Thus, this second visit to Oman represented long-lasting alliances in addition to advancing geopolitical and economic objectives.
