MUSCAT — A milestone in bilateral relations was reached on Monday, June 1, 2026, as the Oman-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) officially came into force. The landmark trade pact aims to significantly deepen commercial, investment, and strategic ties between the two nations.
Oman’s Ambassador to India, His Excellency Issa Saleh Abdullah Alshibani, warmly welcomed the activation of the agreement. He emphasized that the CEPA provides a carefully balanced framework that expands market access while simultaneously safeguarding sensitive domestic industries in both countries.
“Opportunities in services and investment will create better pathways for professionals, businesses, and innovators,” Ambassador Alshibani stated. “It is a balanced and carefully designed agreement, protecting sensitive sectors while opening room for growth, competitiveness, and long-term partnership.”
Key Highlights of the Deal
The trade pact is expected to inject massive momentum into the cross-border business ecosystem, benefiting manufacturers, logistics firms, exporters, and emerging start-ups.
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Duty-Free Access: The agreement grants Indian exporters immediate duty-free access across 98% of Oman’s tariff lines.
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Reciprocal Market Entry: Omani businesses will receive significantly broader and preferential access to the vast Indian consumer market.
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Target Sectors: Growth will be heavily prioritized across critical sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, energy, professional services, agriculture, and technology.
Diplomatic and economic officials from both capitals have hailed the pact as a transformative step toward deeper economic integration. By reducing trade barriers, the CEPA is structurally designed to accelerate bilateral trade flows and attract a new wave of cross-border investments between the Gulf nation and Asia’s third-largest economy.
