India-Oman CEPA on track for June 1 launch, marking new chapter in trade ties: Goyal
New Delhi: India’s trade ties with the Gulf are set to get a major boost, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirming Tuesday that the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will “probably” be implemented on June 1, 2026.
The announcement came after a productive meeting in New Delhi with Oman’s negotiating team, led by Pankaj Khimji, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Adviser in Oman’s Commerce Ministry. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties under the CEPA framework, first signed in December 2025.
The agreement is expected to open new opportunities for exporters, reduce tariffs, and attract investments across sectors like textiles, minerals, energy, and services. Oman remains a vital partner for India in the Gulf, and the CEPA will deepen supply chains and create jobs in both countries.
While talks with Chile continue, Goyal noted that the size difference between the economies requires careful calibration to ensure a balanced deal. Officials highlighted that the Oman CEPA’s timely rollout reflects India’s growing momentum on trade partnerships, part of a broader push to expand market access and boost economic growth in 2026.
