Big global recognition: Oman’s Sultan bestows prestigious ‘Order of Oman’ on PM Modi

"Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the age-old friendship between the two countries and called it a tribute to the warmth and affection between the 1.4 billion people of India and the people of Oman," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

The conferment of the honour during the Prime Minister’s visit to Oman, coinciding with the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, imparted special significance to the occasion and to the Strategic Partnership.

Instituted in 1970 by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Order of Oman has been bestowed upon select global leaders in recognition of their contribution to public life and bilateral relations.

Modi on Thursday held a bilateral meeting with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in Muscat. On arrival at the Royal Palace.

"The Prime Minister was warmly received by His Majesty and accorded a ceremonial welcome," read an Indian government-released statement.

The two leaders met in one-on-one and delegation-level formats.

They comprehensively reviewed the multifaceted India–Oman Strategic Partnership and appreciated the steady growth in bilateral ties.

They noted that the visit holds special significance for India-Oman ties as the two countries are celebrating 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

They welcomed signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement [CEPA] as a landmark development in bilateral ties and stated that it will give a major boost to the Strategic Partnership. While expressing satisfaction at bilateral trade crossing US$ 10 billion and two-way investment flows moving forward, Prime Minister underlined that CEPA will significantly promote bilateral trade and investment, create jobs and open a plethora of opportunities in both countries.

The leaders also discussed giving new thrust to energy cooperation through long-term energy arrangements, renewable energy ventures and green hydrogen and green ammonia projects.

The Prime Minister appreciated Oman joining the International Solar Alliance and invited them to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuel Alliance.

Prime Minister Modi noted that the two countries can benefit from agricultural cooperation including collaboration in the fields of agricultural science, animal husbandry, aquaculture and millet cultivation.

Acknowledging the importance of cooperation in the field of education, the two leaders noted that the exchange of faculty and researchers will be mutually beneficial.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation in the areas of food security, manufacturing, digital technologies, critical minerals, logistics, human-capital development and space cooperation.

On financial services, they discussed cooperation between UPI and Omani digital payment system, RUPAY card adoption and trade in local currencies.

Prime Minister Modi noted that fertilizer and agricultural research were areas of win-win value for both sides and they should work for greater collaboration in these fields, including through joint investment.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing defense and security collaboration, including in the maritime domain.
The
Prime Minister thanked him for his support towards the welfare of the Indian community in Oman. He noted that several new bilateral initiatives in the fields of maritime heritage, language promotion, youth exchanges, and sports ties will further strengthen people-to-people bonds.

They also discussed the rich cultural heritage shared by the two countries, and highlighted the importance of collaboration between maritime museums, and exchange of artefacts and expertise.

The leaders welcomed the alignment between Oman Vision 2040 and India’s goal of becoming a developed nation or Viksit Bharat by 2047, and conveyed their support to each other for meeting the aspirations of their peoples.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability.

On the occasion of the visit, the two sides, in addition to CEPA, also signed MoUs/ arrangement in the fields of maritime heritage, education, agriculture, and millet cultivation.