India-Oman CEPA duty-free textile access to strengthen India exports in Oman

The India-Oman trade pact has opened wider access for Indian textiles, apparel and handicrafts in Oman. The government said on Wednesday it should help India raise exports and secure a stronger footing in a key Gulf market. The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) took effect on June 1, 2026.

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Officials said the deal should lift bilateral trade and tighten supply-chain links. It is also expected to create fresh options for Indian exporters, artisans and MSMEs. The agreement offers duty-free entry and clearer trade rules. An official statement said this should speed up textile shipments to Oman.

India-Oman CEPA boosts textile exports with duty-free access

Under the CEPA, Oman granted immediate zero-duty access on 945 textile and apparel tariff lines. This removes the earlier 5 per cent MFN most favoured nation duty. The change is expected to make Indian goods cheaper in Oman. The same zero-duty benefit also applies to handicraft export lines.

The Textile Ministry said the pact gives India a better chance to grow sales and strengthen presence in Oman. India exported textiles, apparel and handicrafts worth USD 95.1 million to Oman in FY 2025-26. Oman imports textiles and apparel worth about USD 598 million each year.

India currently supplies around 11 per cent of Oman’s textile and apparel imports. India is also Oman’s third-largest supplier in this space. The ministry said the agreement offers scope to scale up exports and raise market share. Indian firms can target apparel, made-ups, carpets and fabrics.

India-Oman CEPA supports digital trade and GI recognition

The agreement includes a modern, fully digitalised Certificate of Origin (CoO) system. It allows electronic exchange of origin certificates between the two countries. Officials said this should cut transaction costs and improve speed. The aim is to support smoother trade movements across the supply chain.

CEPA also covers cooperation on intellectual property rights. It reaffirms rights under the WTO TRIPS Agreement. The framework includes national treatment for IPR protection. The deal also recognises Geographical Indications (GIs), which may aid GI-tagged handloom and handicraft products in Oman.

India-Oman CEPA strengthens GCC connectivity via Oman

Officials linked the agreement to changing conditions in West Asia. They said Oman is emerging as a trade gateway to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets. This includes routes that bypass chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz. Ports like Sohar were cited as part of this connectivity.

The government said the bilateral deal should widen trade links beyond Oman. It is expected to support broader connectivity with GCC nations and the East African region. With tariff barriers removed for key textile and handicraft lines, officials said Indian exporters have clearer conditions to expand shipments and build longer-term market ties.

With inputs from PTI