India, Oman Sign CEPA to Boost Trade and Services Ties

22 Dec 2025 CW Team

The CEPA provides unprecedented market access for Indian goods, with Oman offering zero-duty access on 98.08 per cent of its tariff lines, covering 99.38 per cent of India’s exports by value. Major labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering products, plastics, furniture, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and automobiles will benefit from full tariff elimination, supporting employment generation and MSME growth.

India has offered tariff liberalisation on 77.79 per cent of its tariff lines, covering 94.81 per cent of imports from Oman by value, while safeguarding sensitive sectors through exclusions and tariff-rate quotas. The agreement also delivers ambitious services commitments, with Oman opening 127 sub-sectors including IT, business and professional services, R&D, education, health and audio-visual services.

A key highlight is enhanced mobility for Indian professionals, with expanded Mode 4 commitments, higher quotas for intra-corporate transferees, longer stay provisions for contractual service suppliers and liberalised entry for professionals in accountancy, taxation, architecture and medical services. The CEPA also allows 100 per cent foreign direct investment for Indian companies in major services sectors in Oman.

Additional provisions include fast-tracking of pharmaceutical approvals, mutual recognition for Halal certification, acceptance of India’s organic certification and the first-ever comprehensive commitment by any country on traditional medicine, opening new opportunities for India’s AYUSH and wellness sectors.

The CEPA is expected to significantly expand bilateral trade, strengthen supply chains and deepen long-term economic cooperation between India and Oman, reinforcing India’s broader trade strategy with key non-competing economies.

India and Oman have recently signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a major milestone in India’s strategic engagement with the Gulf region. The agreement was signed in the presence of Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, by Piyush Goyal and Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef. The CEPA provides unprecedented market access for Indian goods, with Oman offering zero-duty access on 98.08 per cent of its tariff lines, covering 99.38 per cent of India’s exports by value. Major labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering products, plastics, furniture, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and automobiles will benefit from full tariff elimination, supporting employment generation and MSME growth. India has offered tariff liberalisation on 77.79 per cent of its tariff lines, covering 94.81 per cent of imports from Oman by value, while safeguarding sensitive sectors through exclusions and tariff-rate quotas. The agreement also delivers ambitious services commitments, with Oman opening 127 sub-sectors including IT, business and professional services, R&D, education, health and audio-visual services. A key highlight is enhanced mobility for Indian professionals, with expanded Mode 4 commitments, higher quotas for intra-corporate transferees, longer stay provisions for contractual service suppliers and liberalised entry for professionals in accountancy, taxation, architecture and medical services. The CEPA also allows 100 per cent foreign direct investment for Indian companies in major services sectors in Oman. Additional provisions include fast-tracking of pharmaceutical approvals, mutual recognition for Halal certification, acceptance of India’s organic certification and the first-ever comprehensive commitment by any country on traditional medicine, opening new opportunities for India’s AYUSH and wellness sectors. The CEPA is expected to significantly expand bilateral trade, strengthen supply chains and deepen long-term economic cooperation between India and Oman, reinforcing India’s broader trade strategy with key non-competing economies.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..