MUSCAT : Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oman on Wednesday, business leaders from both countries voiced optimism over the future of bilateral trade and investment, driven by the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Speaking on the sidelines of the India–Oman Business Dialogue in Muscat, Member of Parliament Naveen Jindal said the visit had generated widespread enthusiasm among Omanis and the Indian diaspora, reflecting the strength of ties between the two nations.

“There is a lot of happiness among the people of Oman and the Indian community with Prime Minister Modi’s visit,” Jindal said, adding that Oman continues to draw inspiration from India’s development trajectory under Modi’s leadership.

Jindal said bilateral trade between India and Oman currently exceeds $10 billion, and could double in the coming years once CEPA is concluded, benefiting businesses and investors in both countries.

Highlighting India’s private sector presence in the Sultanate, Jindal said his conglomerate is among the largest Indian investors in Oman. “We entered Oman around 15 years ago and have invested over $3 billion so far. This is expected to rise to $7 billion, as we double our steel production capacity here,” he said.

Jindal is the chairman of Jindal Steel, one of India’s leading conglomerates in steel, mining and infrastructure. Under his leadership, the group has focused on building globally competitive industrial capabilities to support India’s self-reliance drive, while also expanding its international presence, including operations across several African markets.

Modi’s visit is expected to include high-level discussions on trade, investment, energy cooperation and regional issues, as India and Oman.

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