Context
India and Oman have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Muscat. The agreement is part of India’s strategy to deepen economic engagement with the Gulf region, building on the India–UAE CEPA (2022), and aims to expand trade, services, investment and labour mobility.
What is CEPA?
• CEPA is a deep trade agreement, broader than a normal Free Trade Agreement.
• It covers trade, services, investment and mobility.
Market Access and Tariff Provisions
Oman’s commitment to India:
• Duty-free access on 98.08% of tariff lines.
• Covers 99.38% of India’s exports to Oman.
India’s commitment to Oman:
• Liberalised tariffs on 77.79% of tariff lines.
• Covers 94.81% of India’s imports from Oman.
Services and Mobility
• Beyond goods trade, CEPA includes concessions in services.
Expected benefits:
• Improved mobility of Indian professionals and workers.
• Boost to India’s services sector, a key strength of the Indian economy.
Trade Data (2024–25)
India’s exports to Oman:
• USD 4.06 billion.
• About 0.93% of India’s total exports.
India’s imports from Oman:
• USD 6.5 billion.
• About 0.91% of India’s total imports.
