In a historic diplomatic milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the "First Class of the Order of Oman" on Thursday, December 18, 2025. This prestigious recognition marks the 29th international honour bestowed upon the Prime Minister, cementing his position among the world’s most decorated leaders.
The award ceremony took place at the Al Baraka Palace in Muscat during the final leg of PM Modi’s three-nation tour. Presented by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the "First Class of the Order of Oman" is the Sultanate’s premier national honour, typically reserved for foreign heads of state who have made exceptional contributions to bilateral relations.
An Elite Global Circle
By receiving this distinction, PM Modi joins an illustrious list of former recipients, including:
- Nelson Mandela (Former President of South Africa)
- Queen Elizabeth II (Former Monarch of the United Kingdom)
- Emperor Akihito (Emperor Emeritus of Japan)
- Queen Máxima (Netherlands)
- King Abdullah II (Jordan)
This recognition highlights the deep strategic importance Oman places on its 70-year diplomatic relationship with India.
Historic India-Oman CEPA Signed
The visit was not merely ceremonial; it delivered a transformative economic shift. Following high-level bilateral talks, India and Oman officially signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
This free trade pact is expected to:
- Eliminate Tariffs: Open doors for Indian exports in sectors like textiles, electronics, and agriculture.
- Energy Security: Strengthen the supply chain for petroleum and fertilizers from Oman.
- Investment Flow: Boost the presence of over 6,000 India-Oman joint ventures currently operating in the Sultanate.
PM Modi remarked that the CEPA acts as a "blueprint for a shared future," providing a new "confidence and energy" to the 21st-century partnership between the two maritime neighbors.
The Prime Minister arrived in Muscat on Wednesday after successful visits to Jordan and Ethiopia. The warm reception by Sultan Haitham and the subsequent signing of the trade deal underscore India’s growing "Extended Neighborhood" policy in the Gulf and Africa.
