Oman Delegation Highlights Long-Term Trade and Investment Opportunities for Indian Businesses

Business leaders discuss CEPA, industrial investment, logistics, energy and regional market access during an interaction in Mumbai.

India-Oman Economic Partnership Gains Momentum

An Omani business delegation held an interactive session with Indian entrepreneurs and industry representatives at MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai on September 4, 2026, focusing on trade, investment and long-term business opportunities between India and Oman.

The discussions highlighted opportunities across pharmaceuticals, food processing, minerals and mining, energy, renewable energy, logistics, manufacturing, polymers, automotive, IT and artificial intelligence. Speakers also emphasised the role of the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in strengthening bilateral economic engagement.

Oman Positions Itself as a Regional Gateway

Mr. Al Rashidi, Vice Consul, Consulate General of the Sultanate of Oman in Mumbai, said India and Oman have longstanding commercial and civilisational ties.

“India and Oman are natural partners with a history of illustrious commercial civilizational and commercial ties spanning centuries. With the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman, we have taken a step ahead in strengthening our future relations further. Our continued engagement evident through CEPA, we are hopeful that longstanding issues like the pending oil pipeline project and the India-Middle East-Europe (IMEC) will be expedited giving a new thrust to the bilateral ties between both the countries. This will not only enhance trade ties but will position Oman as a gateway to access Gulf Cooperation Countries, Africa and Europe. We invite Indian entrepreneurs and companies to come to Oman and become part of this growing economic partnership”, said Mr. Al Rashidi.

Investment Opportunities Under Oman Vision 2040

Mr. Khalid bin Sulaiman Al Salehi, Director General – Marketing & Commercial Affairs and Official Spokesperson, Madayn, highlighted Oman’s geographical position and industrial ecosystem as key advantages for investors.

“Oman’s strategic geographical location and its vibrant industrial ecosystem offers growing opportunities across aluminium, food processing, minerals and mining, energy, renewables and green hydrogen. Under Oman Vision 2040, we are expanding opportunities across food processing, logistics, polymers, automotive, minerals, renewable energy, IT and AI. Foreign investors can also benefit from 100% ownership in eligible activities, long-term industrial leases and other investment incentives.”

Mr. Al Salehi also highlighted pharmaceuticals as an area with significant potential for Indian companies.

“India is an important partner, particularly in pharmaceuticals, where there is strong potential for APIs, local manufacturing and further processing in Oman for exports to other markets. Similar opportunities exist across polymers, food industries, logistics, minerals, automotive and renewable energy. Through Madayn’s integrated industrial cities and investor facilitation services, we invite Indian companies to establish, manufacture and expand from Oman into regional and global markets.”

Industry Sees Scope to Expand Bilateral Trade

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, said there is considerable scope to broaden India-Oman trade across multiple sectors.

“India and Gulf have traditionally enjoyed strong and vibrant commercial ties. With bilateral trade of around USD 11 billion, there is considerable scope to expand our trade baskets across pharmaceuticals, chemicals, engineering, infrastructure, shipping, maritime services and green energy. Our potential is to double this trade to 25 billion dollars to endure a long-term relationship. Oman’s world-class ports, airports and logistics infrastructure make it an attractive gateway for Indian companies to access regional and global markets. CEPA gives us a strategic advantage, and we must now move from discussions to delivery by promoting trade, investment, joint ventures and stronger business partnerships. We also acknowledge the positive role Oman has played over the years in ensuring peace and harmony in the region. This complements India’s position as an oasis of growth amidst global headwinds. This demonstrates the strong potential between both the countries to anchor their long-term partnership”.

CEPA Opens New Market Access

Ms. Priya Pansare, Senior Director – Trade, Investment & International Relations, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, highlighted the market-access opportunities created by CEPA.

“CEPA is a landmark development, providing Indian exporters zero-duty access across about 98% of Oman’s tariff lines, covering over 99% of India’s exports by value, while India has liberalised about 78% of its tariff lines, covering nearly 95% of imports from Oman. This provides a strong platform to deepen cooperation across energy, investment, logistics, manufacturing, technology and healthcare. The participation of over 100 entrepreneurs today reflects the strong business interest in taking this partnership forward.”

Focus on Business Linkages and Investment Partnerships

Concluding the session with a vote of thanks, Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, emphasised the importance of converting longstanding India-Oman connections into business partnerships.

“India and Oman share strong people-to-people and maritime connections, and the opportunity now is to translate these ties into tangible partnerships across energy, logistics, manufacturing and connectivity. All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and World Trade Center Mumbai is ready to facilitate business linkages, delegations and investment partnerships, while greater regional peace and stability will further strengthen trade and prosperity.”

The interaction brought together more than 100 entrepreneurs and industry representatives, reflecting business interest in expanding India-Oman trade, investment and regional cooperation.