MUSCAT : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will engage with the Indian community in Oman on December 18 as part of his official visit to the Sultanate, underscoring the importance of people-to-people ties in India–Oman relations.

Modi is scheduled to attend a community gathering at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is expected to bring together members of the Indian expatriate community, diplomats, business leaders, cultural organisations and students. Oman is home to one of the largest Indian diaspora communities in the region, with deep roots across sectors including trade, healthcare, education and industry.

The Indian prime minister arrived in Muscat earlier and was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport, where he was received by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs.

During his visit, Modi is also scheduled to hold delegation-level talks and a one-to-one meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and expanding cooperation in trade, investment and emerging sectors.

People-to-people ties form a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. Indian Ambassador to Oman G.V. Srinivas said the Indian community in the Sultanate numbers around 675,000.

He also highlighted that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), India’s flagship school education system, is marking 50 years in Oman, adding that the prime minister will interact with students during the community event.

Modi’s visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, a milestone expected to add fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation.

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