Narendra Modi lands in Muscat; draws large crowds

Right are his UAE visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had boarded the next plane to Muscat, Oman.

Narendra Modi on Sunday arrived in Muscat on a two-day visit on the last leg of his tour of three West Asian countries during which he would hold talks with the Sultan of Oman and other key leaders.

Modi, who arrived in Muscat from Dubai, will also meet Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said and Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs Sayyid Asa’ad bin Tariq Al Said.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted:

A ceremonial and traditional welcome for PM @narendramodi on arrival in Muscat, capital of Oman on his first State visit! Warmly received by Deputy PM of Oman. India accords very high importance to relations with Oman, a key strategic partner in the region. #ExtendedNeighbourhood pic.twitter.com/URY5XBxZ1U

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 11, 2018

Charting out new frontiers in our bilateral relationship, PM @narendramodi led delegation-level talks with Sultan Qaboos of Oman. The two strategic partners discussed to strengthen cooperation in trade & investment, energy, defence & security, food security and regional issues. pic.twitter.com/KzQtGaHXF8

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 11, 2018

Modi said his meeting with Sultan Qaboos was “wonderful”. 

READ ALSO: UPDATES: PM Modi in Emirates, to address diaspora

Details of the eight memorandums of understanding agreed to by Sultan Qaboos of Oman and PM Modi were also made public.

Noting that Oman was a close maritime neighbor with whom India enjoys excellent relations, Modi had said ahead of his visit, “I shall also interact with leading businesspersons of Oman on developing stronger economic and business links with India.”

India and Oman have thriving links rooted in centuries-old people-to-people exchanges, Modi had said.

More than nine million Indians work and live in the Gulf region. In Oman, they constitute the largest expatriate community.

On the first leg of his trip, Modi had traveled to Ramallah, becoming the Indian prime minister to make an official visit to Palestine. From there he visited the UAE, before arriving in Oman.