♦ India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on 18 December 2025, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the Sultanate of Oman.  The pact was inked by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, reflecting the shared vision of both nations to deepen economic integration and unlock new growth opportunities.

♦ The agreement also marks a breakthrough in services trade. For the first time, Oman has made ambitious commitments across 127 services sub-sectors, including computer-related services, business and professional services, audio-visual services, research and development, education and health. These commitments are expected to unlock high-value opportunities for Indian service providers and drive skilled job creation.

♦ The agreement allows 100 per cent foreign direct investment by Indian companies in major services sectors in Oman, enabling Indian firms to establish and expand their commercial presence in the Gulf nation.

♦ The India-Oman CEPA is the second free trade agreement signed by India in the last six months, following the pact with the United Kingdom, and aligns with New Delhi’s broader strategy of forging trade agreements with complementary economies.