Saturday 30 / August / 2025
Oman and India are set to conclude a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a deal expected to boost trade, investment, and cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Founding Partner of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm, said that “this CEPA is anticipated to boost trade, attract investments, and open opportunities across sectors such as energy, technology, agriculture, and logistics. It represents a major step toward economic diversification and strategic cooperation.”
Negotiations for the CEPA began in November 2023 and progressed at a remarkable pace. The legal text is currently being translated into Arabic and will be reviewed by the governments of both countries. Prior to its signing, the agreement must be submitted to the Majlis al-Shura, in accordance with its authority to review economic and social agreements that the government intends to sign or accede to, and to provide its opinions thereon, as stipulated in Article 54 of the Law of the Council of Oman.
Accordingly, and pursuant to Article 13 of the same law, which stipulates that members of the Majlis al-Shura are elected to represent all wilayat of the Sultanate, the citizen is thereby considered to have participated—through their elected representatives—in the process of expressing an opinion on the agreement., and the agreement attains effect only upon the issuance of a Royal Decree by His Majesty the Sultan, Dr. Mohammed explained.
He further stated that “India’s vast consumer base provides Oman with opportunities to expand exports such as minerals, fertilizers, and seafood, while Oman’s strategic ports offer India a vital gateway to the Middle East and Africa. The CEPA is expected to make Indian exports like textiles, machinery, and IT services more competitive in Oman, while giving Omani natural gas and chemicals stronger access to India and reinforcing Oman’s role in regional connectivity and growth. It may also provide for a gradual reduction of tariffs by both countries to facilitate greater market access and smoother trade flows.”
He concluded by stating that “This is not only about the movement of goods across borders; it is also about long-term collaboration, skill-sharing, and investments that could benefit both nations. It could create jobs for Omanis, facilitate knowledge transfer, and strengthen people-to-people ties. Ultimately, the CEPA represents a win-win that could drive prosperity and stability amid an uncertain global economy.”
* (Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm ([email protected]), (+968 244 87 600) was established 18 years ago and is serving clients through its offices in Muscat and Sohar, as well as operating on a request basis in other areas. It offers legal representation across a wide range of practice areas that include Labour Law, Corporate, Commercial, Contracts, Banking and Finance, International Trade, Foreign Investment, Insurance, Maritime Law, Construction and Engineering Contracts, International Arbitration, Intellectual Property and more).
