India Oman CEPA negotiations have officially concluded, marking a significant step in the growing trade and investment relationship between the two nations. The announcement came from Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada, who shared the update in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. However, he did not provide a date for the signing ceremony.
India and Oman enjoy a long history of friendship built on trust, respect, and strong people-to-people ties. Their diplomatic relations, established in 1955, were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2008. Over the years, the India Oman CEPA talks have reflected both nations’ desire to strengthen economic collaboration.
The minister also noted that India has expanded its trade network significantly in recent years. Over the past five years, the country has signed five major free trade agreements. These include the India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement in 2021 and the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022. The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement also came into force in 2022.
India finalized the India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement in 2024, and it expects to implement it later this year. Additionally, India signed the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement in 2025, and it is awaiting implementation. These milestones underscore India’s broader strategy to integrate with major economies and secure advantageous market access.
Currently, negotiations are ongoing for several other agreements. These include the India-EU FTA, the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, and the India-Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement. Talks are also underway with Peru, Chile, New Zealand, and the United States. The India Oman CEPA fits into this broader framework, reflecting India’s commitment to diversifying trade partnerships.
For Oman, this agreement opens new opportunities to strengthen its role in the Indian market. For India, it offers enhanced access to Oman’s growing economy and its strategic position in the Gulf region. The two countries will deepen economic ties that align with their shared vision of sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.
