Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that Maitri Parv celebrates the deep friendship, shared history and a prosperous future between India and Oman, while hailing the Indian diaspora as a living example of coexistence and cooperation.
Addressing members of the Indian community at the Maitri Parv event in Muscat, PM Modi highlighted India’s cultural diversity and its global recognition, noting that Diwali has now been included by UNESCO in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Calling the gathering a “mini India,” the Prime Minister said Indians carry respect for diversity wherever they go and adapt seamlessly to local cultures. “Here in Oman, the Indian diaspora is a live example of coexistence and cooperation,” he said, adding that the global recognition of Diwali reflects India’s message of hope, harmony and humanity.
Explaining the meaning of Maitri Parv, PM Modi said it stands for Maritime heritage, Aspirations, Innovation, Trust and Technology, Respect and Inclusive growth. “This Maitri Parv celebrates the friendship between our two countries, our shared history, and a prosperous future,” he stated.
Recalling historical ties, PM Modi said India and Oman have shared intimate relations for centuries through maritime trade. He noted that Indian traders once sailed from ports such as Lothal, Mandvi and Tamralipti to Muscat, Sur and Salalah, guided by the monsoon winds of the Indian Ocean.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the role of education in strengthening bilateral ties, noting that around 46,000 students study in Indian schools in Oman. He thanked the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said for supporting Indian schools and expressed gratitude to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for continuing the tradition and protecting the Indian community.
PM Modi arrived in Muscat on Wednesday for the final leg of his three-nation tour. Later in the day, he is scheduled to hold comprehensive talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, focusing on trade, energy, defence, technology, agriculture and cultural cooperation, further deepening the India–Oman strategic partnership.
