Oman joins the UAE: India's Gulf trade agreements and what they mean for buyers

India now has comprehensive trade agreements with two Gulf states. The India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has been in force since 1 May 2022, and the India–Oman CEPA entered into force on 1 June 2026.

The Oman agreement

• Signed in Muscat on 18 December 2025, in the presence of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Oman gives duty free access on 98.08% of its tariff lines, covering 99.38% of India's exports by value.
• All 945 textile and apparel lines became duty free immediately, removing Oman's 5% duty.
• It includes a fully digital certificate of origin system, so origin documents can be exchanged electronically.
• Bilateral trade was US$11.18 billion in 2025–26.

Why it matters for Gulf buyers

The Gulf is one of India's closest and most established markets. Basmati rice, spices, packaged foods, textiles, stone and building materials move in volume through Jebel Ali, Sohar and other Gulf ports. With duty removed in both the UAE and Oman, Indian suppliers compete on price and lead time, and shipping from India's west coast takes days rather than weeks.

Demand is strong. In 2025, Iran, the UAE and the UK increased their purchases of Indian basmati, which reached record export volumes.

What buyers should check

• Use the correct certificate of origin for each agreement. The UAE and Oman agreements have separate rules.
• For food, make sure labels and halal certification meet the importing country's rules.
• For goods re-exported from Dubai to Africa or other markets, check how origin will be treated at the final destination.

Our Dubai office handles food trade, stone and public sector supply for the Gulf and Africa. Contact the Dubai desk.

Sources

• Press Information Bureau, India–Oman CEPA comes into force on 1 June 2026
• Muscat Daily, Oman–India CEPA enters into force
• Times of Oman, Oman–India CEPA set to expand bilateral trade
• Reuters via MarketScreener, India's 2025 rice exports surge to near record

This article is general information, not legal, tax or customs advice. Trade rules change often, so confirm the position for your product with your customs broker before you ship.