PM Modi Conferred Oman’s Highest Civilian Honour, Joins Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday was awarded The First Class of the Order of Oman, the highest civilian honour of the Gulf nation, marking his 29th international recognition.

With this, PM Modi joins a distinguished list of global leaders that includes Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II.

Elite Global Leaders Among Past Recipients

The Order of Oman has earlier been conferred on several internationally respected figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, Japan's Emperor Akihito and King Abdullah II of Jordan. PM Modi's inclusion places him among a select group of leaders recognised for their contributions to bilateral ties and global engagement.

PM Modi's Oman Visit and Bilateral Talks

PM Modi arrived in Oman on Wednesday as the final stop of his three-nation tour. He was received by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at the Al Baraka Palace in Muscat ahead of formal bilateral discussions. The visit underscored the growing political and economic engagement between India and Oman.

India and Oman Sign Free Trade Agreement

During their meeting, PM Modi and Sultan Haitham welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), describing it as a key step in deepening the India-Oman strategic partnership. The agreement is aimed at expanding trade, investment and sectoral cooperation between the two countries.

"The agreement will increase the trade between India and Oman, boost investment, catalyse economic divesification, unlock opportunities in all major sectors of the economy, enhance economic growth and generate employment," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"For people, CEPA means more jobs, better market access for businesses, stronger supply chains and greater economic opportunities on both sides," Jaiswal added.

Wider Cooperation and Business Engagement

According to the MEA spokesperson, the two leaders also "exchanged views on a wide range of topics, including defense and security, trade and investment, energy and agriculture, technology and emerging and new fields, culture and people-to-people relations, and more." Regional and global issues were also part of the discussions, Jaiswal said in a post on X.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi addressed the India-Oman Business Forum, where he highlighted reforms introduced in India over the past 11 years that have strengthened its position as one of the world's most competitive markets, ANI reported.