Sri Lanka and Oman have taken steps to strengthen economic ties, with discussions held on expanding trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Adviser at the Ministry of Commerce of the Sultanate of Oman, Mr. Pankaj Khimji, accompanied by Ambassador of Oman, Ahmed bin Ali bin Saeid Alrashidi, met with Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co‑operative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, in Colombo on Tuesday.

Talks focused on identifying new opportunities for collaboration, with both sides expressing strong interest in deepening bilateral economic relations. Mr. Khimji conveyed Oman’s keen interest in exploring investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, particularly in agriculture and energy, while also seeking to enhance trade flows.

Minister Samarasinghe welcomed the initiative, highlighting Sri Lanka’s broad range of investment prospects across multiple sectors. He invited Omani investors to explore opportunities currently available, including in the Ceylon Shipping Corporation, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, Mr. Khimji also expressed Oman’s interest in exploring the possibility of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka to significantly boost trade and investment. Minister Samarasinghe welcomed the proposal and agreed to consider the matter.

The meeting underscored the mutual commitment of both nations to advancing economic cooperation and creating new avenues for trade, investment, and business partnerships.

Also present were K. A. Vimalenthirarajah, Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co‑operative Development, and Charitha Yattogoda, Director of Commerce of the Department of Commerce. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka and Oman explore new trade and investment opportunities appeared first on Newswire.

Two people have been killed in Oman after drones came down in the Sohar province, according to Oman’s state news agency, as Gulf nations remain caught in the crosshairs of the war the United States and Israel launched on Iran, sparking Tehran’s retaliation across the region.

The agency, quoting a security source, said on Friday morning that one of the drones hit the al-Awahi Industrial Area, killing two foreign nationals and injuring others.

The other one fell in an open area with no injuries recorded, the agency also said, adding that the authorities were investigating the incident.

On Wednesday, Oman’s state media reported that drones struck fuel tanks in the country’s Salalah port. Tehran denied a role in that attack.

Oman’s state news agency, quoting an energy ministry official, said that there had been no disruption to the continuity of oil supplies or petroleum derivatives in the country.

Private maritime security company Vanguard Tech reported the suspension of the port’s operations after the attack on its southern section.

Multiple attacks on Saudi Arabia

In the meantime, Saudi forces intercepted a drone on Friday targeting Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, which houses foreign embassies, the Ministry of Defence said on Friday.

The “hostile drone” was downed “during an attempt to approach the Diplomatic Quarter”, the ministry posted on X.

Three more drones were intercepted elsewhere in Saudi Arabia at about the same time, the ministry said.

A ministry spokesperson said air defences had shot down eight more drones in the central and eastern regions of the country, as well as the al-Kharj governorate and west of the capital, Riyadh.

Earlier, the ministry reported 14 drones were intercepted and destroyed in waves of attempted attacks.

In Dubai, debris fell on the facade of a building in the city centre on Friday morning after an attack was intercepted by the air defences of the United Arab Emirates, according to the Dubai media office, which reported no injuries.

The region has been ignited by war since Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran on February 28, killing about 1,300 people and injuring more than 10,000, according to the Iranian authorities.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and the Gulf countries hosting US military assets since then.

Lebanon has suffered greatly under relentless Israeli bombardment, which has killed nearly 700 people. (Al Jazeera)

The post Middle East conflict latest : Two killed in Oman by drones appeared first on Newswire.

Nepal and Oman have secured two of the three available places in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Oman on Wednesday.

The two teams clinched their spots to the tournament taking place in India and Sri Lanka with guaranteed top three finishes in the tournament log ahead of their Super Six stage clash on Thursday, with one more spot still available.

Oman and Nepal are in first and second place respectively with unbeaten records in their three completed matches, with only the net run rate separating them.

Five of the first six matches in the Super Six stage went to the final over, highlighting the close finishes between the teams, featuring Nepal prevailing in two nail-biters to book their place.

They brought two carry-over points to the Super Six stage, before clinching final-ball victories against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar.

Similarly, Oman also carried over two points to the Super Six, where they also returned victories against Qatar and the UAE.

The UAE currently hold third place after beating Samoa and are just one critical match against Japan away from their T20 World Cup hopes coming to fruition, with Japan needing wins in both their remaining matches.

Qatar and Samoa are still mathematically in with a chance, though they need other results to go their way, as well as a win over the other in their meeting on Thursday, plus the edge on net run rate to remain alive.

Remaining Fixtures

• 16 October, 14:30: United Arab Emirates v Japan
• 16 October, 19:00: Qatar v Samoa
• 17 October, 10:00: Japan v Oman
• 17 October, 14:30: Samoa v Nepal

*All times are local (ICC)

The post Nepal and Oman secure spots in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 appeared first on Newswire.

India is expected to soon announce a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman, its second pact with a Gulf nation after United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Moneycontrol explains the bilateral trade patterns between India and Oman, as well as the potential sectoral gains due to the FTA.

India-Oman’s $10 billion trade: Details

Total trade between India and Oman stood at $10.61 billion in 2024-25, a growth of 18.6 percent on-year.

India imported goods worth $6.55 billion from Oman, while exports to the Gulf nation stood at $4.07 billion, leading to a trade deficit of $2.48 billion in the previous financial year.

India’s exports to Oman during the previous fiscal stayed almost steady with slight dips from $4.48 billion in FY23 and $4.43 billion in FY24, while imports witnessed an almost 45 percent jump on-year due to a sharp contraction in 2023-24.

Top exports to Oman in FY25 were led by petroleum products at $1.43 billion, engineering goods worth $812.2 million, mica, coal and other ores of $428.6 million and chemicals amounting to $241.4 million.

The country also ships limited amounts of textiles, gems and jewellery, and leather products to Oman. A trade deal could boost exports of these labour-intensive goods that are facing the brunt of steeper tariffs from the US.

The FTA could also give a boost to India’s second-largest export item to Oman – engineering goods, shipments of which to the US declined by 5.1 percent in August compared to the previous month as it started to feel the effects of steeper tariffs.

Around 80 percent of Indian goods are subject to an average import duty of 5 percent by Oman.

Oman’s import duty ranges from zero to 100 percent along with steeper tariffs on specific meats, wines and tobacco products.

When it comes to India’s imports from Oman, mineral fuels and fertilisers make up the largest share.

Out of India’s imports worth $6.55 billion from the Gulf nation in FY25, $4.01 billion consisted of mineral fuels and fertilisers, followed by organic chemicals worth $608.74 million and plastics valued at $219.24 million.

India-Oman FTA timeline

Talks for a free trade agreement between India and Oman began in November 2023.

Termed as a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), both sides have held five rounds of in-person negotiations on the proposed deal, with the last one held in New Delhi in January.

Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Jitin Prasada had in August 2025 informed the Rajya Sabha that negotiations for the CEPA with Oman have concluded.

As of September 2025, both India and Oman have indicated that the trade deal will be announced soon, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal indicating earlier this month that it could happen within weeks.

Attempts to broker a trade deal with a second Gulf nation follows India’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE, signed on February 18, 2022 and entered into force from May 1, 2022.

Since the signing of CEPA, bilateral merchandise trade has nearly doubled to $83.7 billion in 2023-24 from $43.3 billion in FY21, according to commerce ministry.

Bilateral trade between India and the UAE reached $100.06 billion in FY25. However, imports grew significantly faster at 32.02 percent on-year, versus exports at 2.84 percent.

India’s trade deal with UAE helped boost its labour intensive exports notably in gem and jewellery that have grown from $4.95 billion in FY22 to $8.04 billion in FY24, an increase of over 60 percent.

New Delhi is therefore targeting $100 billion in bilateral non-oil and non-precious metal trade with the UAE by the next three to four years as it seeks to further diversify its exports.

Given the benchmark set by the India-UAE FTA and a pact with Oman on the anvil, the government hopes to sign similar deals with more members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Qatar.

Faced with steeper US tariffs, the India-Oman FTA and additional deals with GCC nations could play a key role in diversifying Indian exports by reducing dependence on traditional buyers. (Money Control)

The post India-Oman’s $10 billion trade poised for diversification after FTA appeared first on Newswire.

An Omani-Indian fertiliser joint venture plans to list on the Muscat stock exchange as Oman’s government renews its privatisation drive.

Oman India Fertiliser Company (Omifco) has sent requests to banks for proposals on its potential listing, Bloomberg reported.

State-backed energy company OQ owns 50 percent of the venture, with the rest equally split between Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited and Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited, according to the Omifco website.

Listing plans are at an early stage, the report said.

Read more:  https://www.agbi.com/markets/2025/09/oman-india-fertiliser-company-plans-float-on-muscat-bourse (AGBI)

The post Oman India Fertiliser Company plans float on Muscat bourse appeared first on Newswire.

Negotiations for a comprehensive trade deal between India and Oman, which commenced in 2023, have been concluded. “India-Oman CEPA negotiations have been concluded,” Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada informed Rajya Sabha in a written reply this week while responding to a question from Congress member Hebi Mather Hisham relating to India’s trade deals.

India and Oman share a longstanding history of friendship and cooperation, built on the foundation of mutual trust and respect, and strong people-to-people ties going back centuries.

The two countries are strategic partners, and the bilateral trade and investment relationship between them has flourished since diplomatic relations were established in 1955, which was upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008.

The minister, in his reply, however, didn’t mention any date or timeline on the expected signing ceremony for the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Further, the Minister apprised the Upper House that India has strengthened its trade ties over the past five years, signing five major Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and progressing on several new deals.

Congress member Jebi Mather Hisham asked the Minister to apprise the House about the number of international trade agreements that have been signed by India in the last five years, besides details of their implementation.

The agreements inked over the past 5 years include the India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) implemented in 2021, the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) in 2022, the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in 2024, and the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed in 2025, which is yet to come into force.

The India-European Union Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is expected to be implemented later this year once all parties complete their ratification processes.

Meanwhile, India is in talks for several other agreements, including the India-EU FTA, India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), India-Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement, India-Peru FTA, India-Chile CEPA, India-New Zealand FTA, and a bilateral trade agreement with the United States. (ANI)

The post India and Oman conclude trade deal negotiations appeared first on Newswire.

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) says the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman has issued a notice based on an announcement from the Royal Oman Police, advising against travelling to Oman for employment purposes using a tourist visa. 

The SLBFE has emphasized that a tourist visa cannot be converted into an employment visa, and individuals are prohibited from engaging in employment in Oman via tourist visas.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Muscat has urged job seekers from Sri Lanka to follow only the regulations and guidelines issued by the SLBFE when seeking lawful employment in Oman. 

The Embassy noted an increase in the number of Sri Lankans being stranded in Oman after entering the nation on tourist visas, despite clear instructions from the relevant authorities of both countries.

As per the Royal Oman Police’s announcement, effective from October 31, 2023, it was prohibited to convert a tourist visa into an employment visa, with job seekers urged to avoid entering Oman on a tourist visa.

Furthermore, the Sri Lankan Embassy has advised Sri Lankan nationals already in Oman to leave the country before their visa expires. 

Those who overstay their visas will be subject to additional fees for overstaying imposed by the relevant authorities in Oman before they can leave the country, the Embassy has warned. (Newswire)

The post Notice for those who travel for Oman jobs appeared first on Newswire.

One Sri Lankan and eight Indian national crew members onboard the capsized oil tanker off the coast of Oman were rescued, Omani authorities said.

Oman’s Maritime Security Centre confirmed that nine crew members had been saved but added that “tragically, one crew member was found deceased.”

The 16-member crew, consisting of Indian and Sri Lankan nationals, were rescued after their oil tanker, MT Prestige Falcon, capsized off the coast of Oman on Monday.

The Comoros-flagged oil tanker went down 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, near the port town of Duqn.

The Indian Navy’s warship INS Teg was deployed for the Search and Rescue operation and managed to save eight Indian crew members and one Sri Lankan. 

India and Oman are continuing the search for the remaining crew amid challenging weather conditions, the Indian Navy said. (Newswire)

#IndianNavy‘s mission deployed warship #INSTeg, rendering SAR assistance for the capsized Oil Tanker MV #PrestigeFalcon, has rescued 09 (08 Indians & 01 Sri Lankan) personnel.
The MV had capsized about 25 NM southeast of Ras Madrakah, #Oman on #15Jul 24 & SAR efforts in… pic.twitter.com/ExXYj6PBTN

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) July 17, 2024

The post Capsized oil tanker in Oman : One Sri Lankan and eight Indians rescued appeared first on Newswire.

An oil tanker has capsized off the coast of Oman on Monday, with 16 crew members onboard, including three Sri Lankans, according to the Sultanate’s Maritime Security Centre (MSC).

The Omani Maritime Security Centre reported that a search and rescue operation is currently underway, though the cause of the capsize was not detailed. 

In a post on the social media platform X, the MSC stated, “A Comoros-flagged oil tanker capsized 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, near the port town of Duqm on Monday.”

The Gulf Insider identified the vessel as ‘Prestige Falcon,’ noting it had 16 crew members onboard, including 13 Indians and three Sri Lankans. “The crew of the ship are still missing,” it added, as the search operation continues. 

The vessel was reportedly en route to the Yemeni port city of Aden. (Newswire)

Updates regarding the recent capsizing incident of the Comoros flagged oil tanker southeast of Ras Madrakah pic.twitter.com/PxVLxlTQGD

— مركز الأمن البحري| MARITIME SECURITY CENTRE (@OMAN_MSC) July 16, 2024

The post Oil Tanker capsizes off Oman Coast : 3 Sri Lankans missing appeared first on Newswire.

India is set to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Oman in the first 100 days of the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who on Tuesday said that strategic ties between the two countries are destined to scale new heights and the matter figured in commerce minister Piyush Goyal’s review meeting.

Two officials aware of the matter said negotiations between India and the Sultanate of Oman were almost over during Modi’s previous term. However, the FTA deal could not be signed with the enforcement of the model code of conduct on March 16 following the announcement of dates for the Lok Sabha polls. The officials, who requested anonymity, said the deal is likely to be concluded soon. “The India-Oman FTA is almost finalised, awaiting [formal] political nod from both sides,” one of the officials said.

Days before the elections, India on March 10 signed an FTA with a group of four European countries—Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The four countries committed to invest $100 billion in India to create one million direct jobs over 15 years.

Indian and Omani Officials have prepared the required draft documents and it is a work in progress, the second official said and added the Oman ruler spoke to the Prime Minister congratulating him for his third term.

“Thank His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of the Sultanate of Oman for his call and deeply appreciate his warm felicitations and words of friendship. The centuries-old India-Oman strategic ties are destined to scale new heights,” Modi said in a post on X on Tuesday.

When signed, the FTA with Oman will be the first important bilateral deal of Modi’s third term and the fourth since 2022. India signed an FTA with the United Arab Emirates on February 18, 2022, followed by another deal with Australia on April 2 of that year. India is negotiating FTAs with the United Kingdom, Peru, and the European Union.

The proposed deal with Oman is expected to help India in its energy security and ensure a cheaper supply of fertilisers, besides boosting foreign investments, the second official said. It will help reduce prices of Indian imports to Oman such as rice, tea, coffee, spices, dairy produce, meat, apparel, steel products, and machinery, he said.

The FTA talks got a boost after bin Tarik and Modi met in New Delhi on December 16, 2023. The proposed FTA—Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)—figured prominently in the discussions between the two leaders.

The second official said the proposed CEPA will boost both trade and investments. On the sidelines of the Sultan’s state visit in mid-December, Goyal and Oman’s trade minister Qais Bin Mohammed Al Yousef held discussions on bilateral trade and investment relations. The ministers decided to create an Oman desk in Invest India to boost investments and an India desk in Invest Oman.

India and Oman share a longstanding cooperation built on people-to-people ties dating back centuries. The two countries are strategic partners. They have had bilateral trade and investment relationships since diplomatic relations were established in 1955.

According to commerce ministry data, bilateral merchandise trade between both countries grew by 82.64% on an annualised basis in 2021-2022 to reach $9.99 billion. It rose to $12.39 billion in 2022-2023. In FY23, India exported goods worth $4.48 billion to Oman and imported merchandise worth over $7.9 billion. (Hindustan Times)

The post India set to sign FTA with Oman in first 100 days of Modi’s third term appeared first on Newswire.

Three young Sri Lankans who were found dead in a suspicious manner in Oman recently had died due to cardiac shock, with hospital authorities unable to ascertain the exact cause of death, it was reported. 

According to Mawbima newspaper, the Sri Lankan Mission in Oman had disclosed that all three Sri Lankan youths were found dead inside a house by the Omani Police.

Among a group of five, three had died while the other two had been hospitalised and thereafter taken into Police custody.

The Sri Lankan Mission said that among the three deceased Sri Lankans, one person had arrived on a tourist visa, while the other two were holders of the Oman Resident Card.

The deceased youths who were employed as painters and in restaurants, have been identified as residents of Mahiyanganaya, Girandurukotte, and Kegalle. 

The Sri Lankan Mission in Oman has informed Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry of the deaths, following which the Foreign Ministry has taken steps to inform their respective families. 

The Oman Police is conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

The post Suspicious deaths of three Sri Lankans in Oman : Update from SL Mission appeared first on Newswire.

Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Gaddi Nashin of Dargah Ajmer Sharif and Chairman of the Chishty Foundation, has been honoured as the Ambassador for the International Day of Living Together in Peace in its seventh edition, which is observed annually on 16 May by member states of the United Nations.

The UN General Assembly, through its resolution 72/130, designated this day to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity.

The prestigious event in Geneva saw the recognition of several other notable delegates including Amb David Puyana from Costa Rica, Princess Stella Aicha of Burkina Faso, Prof Mohd Aziz ben Zakour from Tunisia, Prof Mariarosa Baroni from Italy, Mr. Harcourt Klinefelter from the Netherlands, who was an advisor to Martin Luther King Jr., Mr. Armando Milani, Designer of Eco Humanity from Italy, and Prof Dominique Steiler from France.

Special keynote remarks were delivered by Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, on behalf of Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN.

Representation from the City Council of Geneva, was lead by Ms. Christina Kitsos, Vice-President of the Administrative Council, who delivered her speech to mark the International Day of Living Together in Peace. Concluding remarks and a congratulatory speech to all recipients of Ambassadorial status for the UN International Day of Living Together in Peace were delivered by Cheikh Khaled Bentounes, Honorary President of AISA International NGO and Initiator of the International Day of Living Together in Peace.

Expressing his gratitude for this significant recognition, Haji Syed Salman Chishty stated, “We are deeply honored to be named as the Ambassador for the International Day of Living Together in Peace. This acknowledgment strengthens our resolve to continue fostering peace and unity worldwide as well as upholding the noble philosophy of Unconditional Love towards all from Ajmer Sharif, India.

As the Gaddi Nashin of the revered Dargah Ajmer Sharif, Haji Syed Salman Chishty has been a leading advocate for interfaith harmony and global peace. Through the Chishty Foundation, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at promoting communal harmony, social justice, and cultural understanding within India and globally over 100 countries.

This appointment as Ambassador underscores Haji Syed Salman Chishty’s unwavering commitment to the values of peace and unity. It also highlights the global significance of the Dargah Ajmer Sharif in India as a beacon of spiritual guidance and communal amity.

Haji Syed Salman Chishty is the Gaddi Nashin of the Dargah Ajmer Sharif, one of India’s and South Asia most significant Sufi shrines. As the Chairman of the Chishty Foundation, he is dedicated to promoting the values of love, peace, and unity through various humanitarian and cultural initiatives.

The International Day of Living Together in Peace, observed annually on 16 May, was established by the United Nations General Assembly to encourage peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity among individuals and communities worldwide. (Times of Oman)

The post Haji Syed Salman named Ambassador for the International Day of Living Together in Peace at Geneva appeared first on Newswire.

The first visit to India by the Sultan of Oman is significant for several reasons. It has been long since Oman has sent such a high level dignitary and it signals seriousness on the part of both countries to put relations on an even keel. This is particularly relevant in view of the current situation in Gaza. Ties between Oman and India go beyond energy and diaspora to encompass security domains. The visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq also witnessed the adoption of a India-Oman Joint Vision, a partnership for the future. The key to understanding the Sultan’s visit lies in the renewed interest in India in the Persian Gulf, both in economic and strategic terms.

The Sultan’s visit offered both sides the opportunity to discuss the challenges arising from the Israel-Hamas conflict. India’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said while briefing journalists, that multiple challenges thrown up by the conflict in Gaza were an “important element of the discussions”, and there was a shared appreciation of the challenges that both sides face due to the conflict and “catastrophic humanitarian situation”. The two sides also exchanged perspectives on the challenge of terrorism and the need for a two-state solution as a way forward.

Both leaders held delegation-level talks and PM Modi tweeted that they reviewed the full range of bilateral ties and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, innovation and other issues. Speaking at the meeting of the joint delegation, PM Modi said, “Today we are adopting a new India-Oman joint vision, a partnership for the future. In this joint vision, concrete action points have been agreed upon in ten different areas. I am confident that the joint vision will give a new and modern shape to our partnership.”

“I am happy that the discussion on the CEPA agreement is going on and two rounds of discussion have been successfully completed, in which many important issues have been agreed upon. I hope that we will soon be able to sign this agreement which will add a new dimension to our economic cooperation,” PM Modi added. Terming the Sultan’s maiden State visit as ‘historic’, PM Modi said, “I am happy to welcome you to India. Today is a historic day in Oman-India relations as after 26 years, the Sultan of Oman has come to India on a state visit and I have got the opportunity to welcome you. On behalf of the people of India, I welcome you.”

At the end of the third quarter of 2023, commercial exchanges between India and Oman valued Omani Rial 1.447 billion, according to Oman;s News Agency. Bilateral trade has increased over the years and exports from Muscat to India have reached Rial 699 million, with items such as oil, minerals, LNG, polythene, propylate, aluminum and urea. India’s exports to Oman totalled Omani Rial 747 and include rice, motor fuel, gasoline, iron ore and ignition control of vehicles. Significantly, a total of 1,744 Indian companies have invested in Oman in a diverse range of areas.

Strategically, Oman has acted as the Switzerland of the Gulf region, mediating between the US and Iran, and more recently, between Russia and Ukraine. Its’ political significance lies in being geographically located at the crucial position on the Persian Gulf, making it an important staging post for extended maritime activity. Oman’s ports are useful for Indian commercial and naval shipping and all the three armed forces of India have regular exercises with their Omani counterparts. This by itself is significant as the joint vision signed by the two leaders has amongst the list of areas for cooperation, maritime cooperation and connectivity. Earlier, in 2021, both countries had signed an agreement for exchange of White Shipping information and to boost maritime security cooperation. Far away from the regular strategic interaction between India and Oman comes news of the latter qualifying for the T20I cricket World Cup to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the US next year. Prime Minister in his remarks during the visit of the Sultan noted that, “Last month, Oman qualified for the T-20 Cricket World Cup to be held in 2024. I congratulate you on this.” As India’s oldest strategic partner in the region and a close friend in India’s extended neighbourhood Oman’s significance cannot be overstated. Sultan Haitham’s visit amidst new regional challenges emphasizes the enduring nature of the strategic partnership. India views Oman not only as a diplomatic ally but also as a gateway to West Asia, fostering peace, stability, and mutually beneficial collaborations. (Al Arabiya)

The post India-Oman Bonhimie: Reasons for positive forward movement appeared first on Newswire.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tariq held a meeting in Delhi and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, and innovation. The two leaders reviewed the full range of bilateral ties.In a post shared on X, PM Modi stated, “Had an excellent meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman. Reviewing the full range of bilateral ties, we discussed ways to deepen cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, innovation and more.”

In a post shared on X, PM Modi stated, “Had an excellent meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman. Reviewing the full range of bilateral ties, we discussed ways to deepen cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, innovation and more.”

During the delegation-level talks, PM Modi and Haitham bin Tariq adopted a new ‘India-Oman joint vision, a partnership for the future’ under which both countries will work in ten different areas.

Speaking at the meeting of the joint delegation, PM Modi said, “Today we are adopting a new India-Oman joint vision, a partnership for the future. In this joint vision, concrete action points have been agreed upon in ten different areas. I am confident that the joint vision will give a new and modern shape to our partnership.”

“I am happy that the discussion on the CEPA agreement is going on and two rounds of discussion have been successfully completed, in which many important issues have been agreed upon. I hope that we will soon be able to sign this agreement which will add a new dimension to our economic cooperation,” PM Modi added.

Terming the Sultan’s maiden State visit as ‘historic’, PM Modi said, “I am happy to welcome you to India. Today is a historic day in Oman-India relations as after 26 years, the Sultan of Oman has come to India on a state visit and I have got the opportunity to welcome you. On behalf of the people of India, I welcome you.”

Also congratulating Oman for qualifying for the T20I cricket World Cup to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the US next year, he said, “Last month, Oman qualified for the T-20 Cricket World Cup to be held in 2024. I congratulate you on this.”

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State V Muraleedhraran, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra were also present in the meeting.

Oman Sultan also visited the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi. Earlier in the day, the Sultan of Oman was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his state visit to India.

PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu received the Sultan at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik then inspected a Guard of Honour by the combined defence services.

On December 15, Sultan arrived at the Delhi airport for a three-day State visit and was received by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan. (ANI)

The post PM Modi, Oman Sultan discuss ways to deepen cooperation in commerce, defence, innovation appeared first on Newswire.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Oman facilitated the repatriation of 32 stranded Sri Lankan migrant workers in August (17).  

The Embassy said in a statement that the repatriation was carried out in collaboration with the Omani Foreign Ministry and the Department of Immigration of the Royal Oman Police.

These migrants had entered Oman on visit/tourist visas with the anticipation of finding jobs and subsequently overstayed their visas without securing proper employment.  

The issue of migrant workers arriving on visit/tourist visas and then overstaying due to a lack of viable employment has been a challenge faced by many potential workers, it said.

The Sri Lankan Embassy further said that from November 2022 to date the Embassy has facilitated the repatriation of more than 400 stranded migrants with support extended by the Omani authorities.

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Oman identified the group of 32 stranded illegal migrants and their situation was individually assessed to understand their circumstances and requirements.  The Embassy engaged with the respective Government stakeholders in Oman to obtain a visa overstay penalty waiver for the said group along with the necessary documentation and travel arrangements for repatriation. 

Throughout the repatriation process, the stranded workers were provided with essential humanitarian support, including medical assistance, accommodation, and access to basic necessities by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman. The Oman Sri Lanka Social Club and many well-wishers supported the Embassy during this process, it said.

The Embassy strongly advised Sri Lankans not to arrive on a visit/tourist visa without confirmed jobs, since many male and female workers are continuing to fall victim to human traffickers and end up in the streets under harsh weather conditions.  

The Embassy also requests all Sri Lankans to seek jobs only through licensed agencies and register with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) before arriving in Oman. (NewsWire)

The post 32 stranded Sri Lankan migrant workers repatriated from Oman appeared first on Newswire.

The Managing Director of a Board of Investment-registered apparel factory in the Halpe area in Katana has decided to close down the factory and leave Sri Lanka, following his assault by a group of unidentified individuals in March. 

A group of five had illegally entered the factory premises and had initially assaulted the security official on duty after which they had attacked the Apparel factory Managing Director, who is an Omani national, at his residence in the factory premises. 

It was reported that a gang allegedly backed by a politico in the Gampaha District had carried out the assault. 

The Omani businessman had been on an observation visit to Sri Lanka. Over 300 Sri Lankans are employed at his apparel factory which is the sister company of a famous Omani apparel chain. 

According to Ceylon Today, the Omani businessman has expressed his displeasure over the incident.

He has also accused the Sri Lankan Government of having failed to conduct a fair investigation into the assault so far. 

The Omani national added that as a result, he has no other option but to close the factory and leave Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

The post Assaulted Omani Investor pulls out of SL appeared first on Newswire.

The heads of labour recruitment agencies in Oman have requested Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara to take immediate steps to digitalize Sri Lanka’s foreign employment sector.

The Ministry of Foreign Employment stated that the request has been made in order to avoid procedural delays in the recruitment of Sri Lankan workers for jobs in Oman.

The Ministry said in a statement, that Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, who is on a four-day official visit to Oman, responding to the request made by the heads of labour recruitment agencies, assured them that immediate action will be taken in this regard.

Minister Manusha Nanayakkara met heads of labour recruitment agencies in Oman, to discuss matters related to the recruitment of workers from Sri Lanka for jobs in Oman.

The heads of labour recruitment agencies pointed out to the minister that some of them had to travel a long distance to come to the Embassy to get the approvals for the recruitment of workers, and a lot of time is wasted as a result.

At the same time, due to the shortage of officials in the Embassy, ​​they pointed out that they have to spend extra time obtaining approvals.

Responding to them, the minister said that the best way to minimize such hassle was to digitalize the field of foreign employment and added that this will be done as soon as possible.

In the meantime, it was also agreed to take the necessary steps to recruit domestic workers only after conducting an interview through video technology.

The problems that have arisen due to the bringing of female workers for domestic work in Oman through tourist visas and the solutions that can be given to the problems faced by the representatives of the organizations that recruit workers in Oman were also discussed at length. (NewsWire)

The post Omani employment agencies urge Sri Lanka to digitalize foreign recruitment sector appeared first on Newswire.

The government is currently working on resolving legal issues that have arisen with regard to the process of sending back Sri Lankan migrant workers who are currently placed in Safe Houses in Oman, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara said.

Issuing a statement, Minister Nanayakkara said that the government is attempting to resolve legal issues pertaining to the repatriation of 59 female migrant workers in ‘Suraksha’ Safe Houses in Oman.

Minister Manusha Nanayakkara further stated that the women would be brought back to Sri Lanka soon after sorting out the prevailing problems.

The minister, who is on a four-day visit to Oman, discussed diplomatic steps to prevent human smuggling and find a bigger job market for skilled workers. He also visited the Suraksha Houses and inquired about the grievances of the women who are placed there.    

Stating that various false information is being spread through the media about these women and as a result, they have been thoroughly inconvenienced, the minister requested the media to be more responsible when reporting details.

“The Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman is operating with minimal facilities. It lacks staff and translators. These problems have delayed resolving the legal matters of the female migrant workers who are waiting to return to Sri Lanka. These women are undergoing many difficulties. Some of them have gone abroad through improper channels, some have gone under Tourist Visas, some have committed various wrongdoings, and some are still to receive their arrears. The President has given the approval to bring these women back to Sri Lanka as soon as possible after sorting out the prevailing problems,” he said. (NewsWire)

The post Govt resolving legal obstacles to repatriate female migrant workers stranded in Oman appeared first on Newswire.