The 11th Oman-India Joint Commission Meeting is expected to witness productive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, AI and other key areas

India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on Monday said that Oman-India bilateral relations are expected to strengthen significantly and reach new heights in the coming years. The growth will be driven by increased cooperation in trade, investment, technology, food security, renewable energy and other key sectors.

Goyal was the Special Guest at the grand reception organised by the Embassy of India, Muscat to celebrate the 76th Republic Day of India. His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, was the Chief Guest, accompanied by a high-level official delegation.

The minister, who is in Oman for the 11th Oman-India Joint Commission Meeting with HE Qais Al Yousef, said the meeting is expected to witness productive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, AI and other key areas. He also highlighted India’s extraordinary progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, emphasising India’s growing global stature and the partnership with Oman as a model of collaboration.

Goyal’s visit highlights the importance that India attaches to its trade and investment ties with Oman, one of its important trading partners in the GCC with bilateral trade estimated at over $8.94bn in 2023-2024.

The Republic Day reception attracted enthusiastic participation from over 1,000 attendees, including Ambassadors, Defense Attachés, Diplomats, and members of the Omani and Indian communities.

HE Amit Narang, India’s Ambassador to Oman, highlighted the remarkable advancements in India-Oman relations post-pandemic. He referred to the landmark visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India, Oman’s active role in the G20 under India’s Presidency, and the significant growth in bilateral trade, defence cooperation, cultural collaboration, and people-to-people ties.

A cultural highlight of the evening was the unique musical performance titled “Sur Sandook,” which showcased a vibrant India-Oman jukebox. Omani violinist Nasser Al Kindi performed alongside Team Melam Muscat, celebrating Kerala’s cultural richness with energetic Chenda Melam and captivating the audience with renditions of popular Indian songs. Participants enjoyed a specially designed selfie zone featuring life-sized replicas of iconic Indian landmarks, including the Konark Wheel and Hawa Mahal, allowing them to capture the essence of India’s rich heritage.