Prime Minister Narendra Modi Receives Oman’s Highest Civil Honour During Official Visit to Muscat

Muscat, December 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Thursday awarded the Order of Oman (First Class), the highest civil honour of the Sultanate, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The award was given in recognition of Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and his role in deepening the long-standing relationship between India and Oman. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the honour reflects the strong and growing partnership between the two countries, built on shared history, trust, and cooperation across many areas. The conferment took place during Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to Muscat, which also marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. Reacting to the honour, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the government of Oman, and its people. In a post on X, he said he was honoured to receive the Order of Oman (First Class) and described the award as a symbol of mutual respect, affection, and trust between the people of the two nations. Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and highlighted the deep historical links that connect the two countries. He referred to the centuries-old maritime ties between India and Oman, noting how traders and sailors travelled across the seas from places such as Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat, helping shape strong cultural and economic bonds over generations. He also paid tribute to the seafarers and traders of the past, whose regular exchanges, he said, played an important role in the progress and prosperity of both societies. These early connections, he added, laid the foundation for the modern partnership that India and Oman enjoy today. The timing of the award holds special significance, as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Over the decades, India and Oman have developed close cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, defence, culture, and people-to-people contacts. A large Indian community continues to live and work in Oman, further strengthening bilateral ties. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Muscat underlined the importance India places on its relationship with Oman, which is seen as a key partner in the Gulf region. Discussions during the visit focused on enhancing strategic cooperation, expanding economic engagement, and exploring new areas of collaboration for the future. The Order of Oman, also known as the Civil Order of Oman, was instituted in 1970 by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It is one of the highest honours awarded by the Sultanate and is given to distinguished individuals for exceptional service to the nation or for strengthening relations with Oman. Over the years, the Order of Oman has been conferred on a select group of global leaders, heads of state, and members of royalty who have made significant contributions to public life or bilateral ties with the country. Prime Minister Modi now joins this list of notable international recipients. The award reflects not only Prime Minister Modi’s personal leadership but also the growing global role of India and its strong engagement with partners in the Middle East. It also highlights Oman’s recognition of India as a trusted and valued friend. As India and Oman look ahead, both countries have reiterated their commitment to further strengthen their partnership, guided by shared values, historical ties, and a common vision for peace and development in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Receives Oman’s Highest Civil Honour During Official Visit to Muscat Muscat, December 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Thursday conferred with the Order of Oman (First Class), the highest civil honour of the Sultanate of Oman, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The prestigious award was presented in recognition of the Prime Minister’s leadership and his continued efforts to strengthen the deep and historic ties between India and Oman. The honour was given during Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to Muscat, which also marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The occasion highlighted the strong partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and long-standing cooperation across many sectors. Expressing his gratitude, Prime Minister Modi said he was honoured to receive the Order of Oman (First Class) and thanked Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the government, and the people of Oman. He described the award as a symbol of affection and trust shared by the people of both nations. The Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the people of India and recalled the centuries-old maritime connections between the two countries. He spoke about historic sea routes that linked Indian ports such as Mandvi with Muscat, helping traders and sailors build cultural and economic bonds over generations. He also paid tribute to the seafarers whose exchanges contributed to the growth and progress of both societies. Instituted in 1970 by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Order of Oman is among the country’s highest honours. It has been awarded to select global leaders for their contributions to public life and bilateral relations. The award to Prime Minister Modi reflects the strength of India-Oman relations and India’s growing role on the global stage. As both nations celebrate seven decades of diplomatic ties, India and Oman reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen cooperation and friendship in the years ahead.