When did the India–Oman CEPA come into force?

On 1 June 2026; it was signed in Muscat on 18 December 2025.

How much of India's exports get duty-free access in Oman?

99.38% by value, covering 98.08% of Oman's tariff lines.

Which sectors did India protect?

Dairy, cereals, fruits, vegetables, edible oils, oilseeds, rubber, leather, spices and other key farm products.

What did Oman offer in services?

Commitments in 127 services sub-sectors, with mobility for professionals and an ICT ceiling raised from 20% to 50%.

India–Oman CEPA in Force: 99.38% Exports Get Zero Duty

Battle Brief

The India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force on 1 June 2026. Signed in Muscat on 18 December 2025, it gives zero-duty access to 99.38% of India’s exports to Oman by value. Oman has opened 127 services sub-sectors, while India kept dairy, cereals, edible oils and other sensitive items out.

Fact File

In force: 1 Jun 2026 (signed 18 Dec 2025, Muscat)
India’s exports: 99.38% by value duty-free; 98.08% of Oman’s tariff lines
Before CEPA: only 15.33% of India’s exports entered duty-free
India’s offer: 77.79% of tariff lines, 94.81% of imports from Oman by value
Services: 127 sub-sectors; ICT ceiling raised from 20% to 50%
Trade: USD 11.18 billion in 2025-26 (USD 10.61 billion in 2024-25)

In the news

The India–Oman CEPA: what happened?

Oman is India’s second-largest trading partner in the Gulf and a gateway to the GCC and East Africa through its ports. India is only the second country, after the United States, to have a comprehensive bilateral trade pact with Oman.

All zero-duty concessions apply from day one.
First consignments of farm goods and gems and jewellery were flagged off from Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.
Oman will accept certificates of India’s Export Inspection Council; NPOP organic and halal certification are recognised.
Medicines approved by USFDA, EMA, UK MHRA or TGA get marketing authorisation within 90 days without prior inspection.

Back Story

Who gains in goods trade?

Sector gains under the India–Oman CEPA (PIB, Commerce, 1 Jun 2026)
Sector	What changes
Marine products	all duty-free; earlier duties up to 5%
Gems and jewellery	duties up to 5% removed; exports seen rising six-fold to USD 150 million in three years
Agriculture	India is Oman’s second-largest farm supplier (17.8% share); rice, cashew, eggs, meat gain
Engineering and electronics	all duty-free; motor vehicles’ 5% tariff removed
Pharmaceuticals	zero duty plus faster approvals

Back Story

What does the services deal give?

Business visitors may stay up to 90 days, independent professionals up to 180 days, and intra-corporate transferees up to 4 years.
For the first time in any bilateral FTA, Oman made binding commitments for professionals in accounting, engineering, medicine, IT, education and construction.
Future talks are planned on a Social Security Agreement to avoid double contributions.

By the numbers

What do the numbers show?

India–Oman CEPA at a glance (PIB, Commerce, 1 Jun 2026)
Item	Figure
Bilateral trade 2025-26	USD 11.18 billion
Oman’s import market	nearly USD 28 billion
Services trade 2024	USD 863 million (India surplus USD 447 million)
India’s share of Oman’s services imports	5.31%
India–Oman joint ventures	nearly 6,000

Why examiners care

Why does the India–Oman CEPA matter?

Angle	What to note
Trade	Near-total duty-free access for labour-intensive exports.
Services and jobs	Binding mobility for Indian professionals.
Strategy	A Gulf gateway via Sohar, Duqm and Salalah to the GCC and East Africa.
Farmers	Sensitive items excluded; tariff rate quotas and minimum import prices kept as safeguards.

Fault Lines

What are the challenges in the India–Oman CEPA?

Utilisation: exporters must actually use preferences and rules of origin.
The Social Security Agreement is only promised for future talks.
Oman’s market is small (about USD 28 billion imports), so gains depend on reaching the wider GCC through it.

Road Ahead

What should be done next on the India–Oman CEPA?

Help MSMEs use the CEPA through awareness and simple origin certification.
Start Social Security Agreement talks early.
Use the Oman deal to push wider GCC trade talks.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on the India–Oman CEPA?

India–Oman CEPA: signed 18 Dec 2025 (Muscat); in force 1 Jun 2026.
99.38% of India’s exports duty-free; 98.08% of Oman’s tariff lines.
Oman services offer: 127 sub-sectors.
India is the second country after the USA to have a comprehensive bilateral trade pact with Oman.
Excluded by India: dairy, cereals, fruits, vegetables, edible oils, oilseeds, rubber, leather, spices.

Answer Lab

How to write about the India–Oman CEPA in Mains

Practice question (15 marks, 250 words): “The India–Oman CEPA goes beyond tariffs.” Examine the goods, services and regulatory features of the agreement and its strategic value.

Intro: in force 1 June 2026; 99.38% zero duty.
Goods: sector gains; India’s safeguards.
Services and mobility: 127 sub-sectors, ICT 50%.
Regulatory: EIC, pharma fast track.
Strategic: Gulf and East Africa gateway; way forward.

UPPCS Corner

What should UPPCS aspirants note?

The release lists Uttar Pradesh among States whose farmers and agri-exporters are expected to benefit; it also names Dasheri among mango varieties gaining duty-free access.

India–Oman CEPA enters into force on 1 June 2026