The India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) would strengthen India’s export competitiveness across goods and services, enhance professional mobility, and support inclusive and employment-led growth, The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said in its initial comment after signing of the deal earlier on Thursday.
“The CEPA secures unprecedented market access for Indian exports, with zero-duty access on 98.08% of Oman’s tariff lines, covering 99.38% of India’s exports by value,” said S C Ralhan, President, FIEO.
“This near-universal duty-free access will significantly enhance the competitiveness of Indian goods and benefit key labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering products, plastics, furniture, agricultural and food products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automobiles, and sports goods,” he said.
The agreement is expected to generate employment and strongly support MSMEs, artisans, women-led enterprises, and farm producers across the country, Mr. Ralhan added.
FIEO chief said that Oman’s strategic location makes it a vital gateway to the Gulf and Africa, and the CEPA will enable Indian exporters to integrate more effectively into regional value chains, diversify markets, and expand India’s export footprint.
“With bilateral trade already exceeding $10 billion, the agreement provides a strong platform for accelerated growth in merchandise trade,” he emphasized.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC said, “The India–Oman FTA opens opportunities for polished diamonds and gold jewellery, while creating new avenues in silver, platinum and imitation jewellery.”
“We see the potential to grow exports from $35 million in 2024 to around $150 million over the next three years, supported by improved competitiveness and deeper industry collaboration,” he said.
Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group said, “Oman is already one of India’s most valued partners and our third-largest export destination in the GCC, with bilateral trade of $10.6 billion in 2024–25. The CEPA will deepen this partnership by enabling near-complete duty-free access for Indian goods and catalysing greater trade and investment across sectors such as energy, minerals, technology, tourism and agriculture.”
“For the Mahindra Group, the CEPA opens a new chapter in our long-standing relationship with Oman. Tech Mahindra’s technology development centre in Muscat is already supporting key industries through AI, cloud and 5G, with over 300 associates. This agreement allows us to expand collaboration in digital transformation, clean energy, supply chains and mobility,” he added.
Published – December 18, 2025 08:38 pm IST
