India and Oman are close to concluding a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with officials from both sides working to finalise dates for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Muscat for the signing ceremony.

The pact is expected to be sealed before the end of the year, marking a significant boost to India’s expanding economic and strategic footprint in West Asia.

According to officials familiar with the negotiations, the last outstanding issue has been resolved, clearing the way for the agreement’s conclusion. India had pushed for protection against frequent changes under Oman’s “Omanisation” programme — a labour localisation policy that mandates companies to employ a fixed proportion of Omani nationals. New Delhi has now secured a provision that free

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