The Oman–India Business Forum took place in Muscat on September 9, 2026, hosted by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) at the St. Regis Muscat. The event reached its 400-seat registration capacity and focuses on operationalizing the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has been in effect since June 1, 2026.
- The forum brought together business leaders, policymakers, and representatives from organizations including Invest Oman, Madayn, OPAZ, ASYAD Group, FICCI, CII, and Indian Business Councils in Oman.
- Participants discussed trade, services, and professional mobility.
- Oman provided market-access commitments across 127 sub-sectors under the CEPA services chapter.
Under the CEPA services chapter, Oman has provided market-access commitments across 127 sub-sectors. These include computer services, business and professional services, engineering, accounting, medical and allied services, education, health, audio-visual, research and development, and tourism.
A key provision increases the intra-corporate transferee (ICT) ceiling for Indian companies from 20% to 50%. Furthermore, the temporary stay for contractual service suppliers has been extended from 90 days to two years, with the possibility of a two-year extension. These provisions require adherence to Omani immigration, labor, and profession-specific licensing regulations and do not function as blanket visa guarantees.
The agreement also includes 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments for Indian companies in major service sectors, subject to local regulatory approvals. Regarding goods trade, Oman has granted 100% duty-free market access on 98.08% of tariff lines, covering 99.38% of India's export value to the country. Key sectors benefiting from these tariff preferences include textiles, agriculture, processed food, transport equipment, precision instruments, marine products, and gems and jewellery.
The OCCI is positioning Oman as a strategic gateway for Indian firms to reach GCC, East African, and United States markets. Officials cited Oman's ports, free zones, and its existing free-trade arrangement with the U.S. While the agreement facilitates business expansion and professional deployment, officials emphasized that individual professional mobility remains subject to contract validity, employer eligibility, and Omani regulatory standards.
