Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Oman visit in December 2025 marked a significant milestone in India’s diplomatic outreach to the Gulf region. During his two-day trip to Muscat, Oman, Modi was conferred with the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Oman, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen India-Oman relations across trade, defence, energy, and cultural ties.
PM Modi Conferred with the Order of Oman
In a grand ceremony, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said awarded Modi the Order of Oman (First Class), joining a distinguished list of global leaders such as Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela who have previously received the honour. This award highlights Modi’s personal contribution to India-Oman diplomatic relations, particularly in maritime cooperation, diaspora engagement, and economic partnerships.
The Order of Oman adds to Modi’s growing list of international recognitions, making it his 29th global award, following Ethiopia’s Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia earlier in the same tour.
Economic and Strategic Outcomes of PM Modi’s Oman Visit
The visit coincided with the 70th anniversary of India-Oman diplomatic relations, making the occasion even more symbolic. Key outcomes included:
- Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): Signed to boost bilateral trade in energy, petrochemicals, technology, and investment sectors.
- Defence Cooperation: Enhanced collaboration in maritime security and joint military exercises, strengthening India’s presence in the Persian Gulf.
- Diaspora Engagement: Modi praised the role of the 700,000-strong Indian diaspora in Oman, calling them a “living bridge of friendship.”
At the India-Oman Business Forum in Muscat, Modi urged businesses to leverage CEPA, emphasizing centuries-old India-Oman maritime trade links.
Symbolic Gestures and Warm Reception
The visit was marked by symbolic gestures underscoring the closeness of India-Oman ties. At Muscat International Airport, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, bid farewell to Modi with a traditional Indian Namaste, a gesture widely shared on social media.
Indian expatriates welcomed Modi with chants of “Vande Mataram”, reflecting the strong emotional bond between the diaspora and their homeland.
Broader Diplomatic Context
PM Modi’s Oman visit was the final leg of his three-nation tour, which also included Jordan and Ethiopia. Analysts note that the Order of Oman award strengthens India’s position in the Gulf, particularly at a time when energy security and regional stability are critical.
By receiving Oman’s highest civilian honour during the 70th anniversary of India-Oman relations, Modi reinforced India’s expanding diplomatic footprint in West Asia.
Conclusion
The PM Modi Oman visit 2025 was more than ceremonial—it was a strategic engagement that reinforced economic, defence, and cultural ties. The conferment of the Order of Oman not only honored Modi personally but also symbolized the depth of India-Oman relations.
With trade agreements, diaspora engagement, and symbolic gestures of friendship, the visit has set the stage for a stronger, more resilient India-Oman partnership in the years ahead.