India has secured immediate duty-free market access to 98% [1] of Oman's tariff lines under a new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

This agreement serves as a strategic gateway to West Asia, aiming to increase bilateral trade and create jobs through expanded market access for Indian exporters. The deal covers 99.38% [1] of India's exports to Oman.

The CEPA became effective June 1, 2024 [2]. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal and Omani authorities coordinated the implementation, which emphasizes the use of logistics hubs at Sohar, Duqm, and Salalah [2]. These hubs are intended to streamline the flow of goods between the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "India‑Oman CEPA will boost exports, create jobs and shared prosperity" [3]. The agreement is designed to lower trade barriers and encourage investment in key sectors.

Beyond trade logistics, the partnership has extended to cultural and historical preservation. Piyush Goyal said that nearly 7,000 [4] historical Indian diaspora documents have been successfully digitized in Oman [4]. This effort preserves the legacy of the Indian community within the region.

The agreement focuses on shared prosperity by leveraging Oman's geographical position. By reducing tariffs, India expects a significant increase in the volume of goods reaching Omani markets and beyond, strengthening economic ties in the Gulf region.

“India gains immediate, day‑one duty‑free market access to 98% of Oman's tariff lines.”

The CEPA represents a shift toward deeper economic integration between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. By securing near-total duty-free access, India reduces the cost of doing business in Oman, effectively using the country's logistics hubs as a springboard for further expansion into West Asian markets.