As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to arrive in Oman, members of the Indian business and professional community have expressed strong optimism, saying the visit will significantly deepen India–Oman ties and unlock new avenues for trade and investment.
Speaking to IANS in Muscat on Wednesday, Indian industry leaders said the visit comes at a crucial time when both countries are seeking to elevate their partnership through structured dialogue and are exploring the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Nirmal K. Minda, Executive Chairman of Uno Minda Limited, said the visit could unlock collaboration across multiple sectors, including energy, manufacturing and logistics. He highlighted that Oman’s low energy costs and India’s strong manufacturing ecosystem offer natural complementarities.
Minda noted that India provides access to skilled manpower under the Make in India initiative, while Oman can serve as a strategic logistics and trading hub connecting the wider Gulf region, including the UAE.
Echoing similar views, Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, said Prime Minister Modi’s visit would further strengthen the already robust relationship between the two countries. She emphasised that the Indian community has contributed to Oman’s growth for decades and is widely respected for its economic and social contributions.
Reddy added that as trade and commercial ties expand through agreements, the social and cultural bonds between India and Oman are also expected to grow stronger.
Offering a historical perspective, Saleh Mohamed Alshanfari, Chairman of Alizz Foods LLC, said the India–Oman relationship goes far beyond business, rooted in centuries-old maritime links, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections.
The visit is being widely seen by the Indian diaspora as a milestone that could usher in a new phase of economic cooperation and strategic partnership between India and Oman.
