India–Oman Trade Pact Signals Strategic Push Into Gulf Markets
New Delhi, Dec 18, 2025 — India has taken a significant step in its global trade strategy by signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman, strengthening its economic footprint in the Gulf region. The pact is designed to unlock smoother market access, reduce tariff barriers, and expand bilateral trade at a time when global protectionism is on the rise.
Under the agreement, a large share of Indian exports will gain preferential or zero-duty access to the Omani market, benefiting sectors such as engineering goods, textiles, pharmaceuticals, food products, and gems and jewellery. Oman, in turn, is expected to see improved access to India for petrochemicals, minerals, and logistics-linked services.
Beyond trade volumes, the pact is strategically important for India’s supply-chain ambitions in West Asia. Officials describe the agreement as a gateway to deeper regional integration, investment flows, and cooperation in ports, renewable energy, and digital services.
The deal also reflects India’s broader trade diplomacy push — diversifying export destinations to reduce dependence on a few large markets and insulate exporters from tariff shocks. With negotiations underway with several other countries, the Oman pact is being seen as a template for future agreements.
As global trade dynamics shift, India’s agreement with Oman reinforces a clear message: economic partnerships are now central to India’s long-term growth and geopolitical strategy.
