Thu Dec 18 11:07:54 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article version of the text:

Summary:

India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on December 18, 2025, in Muscat. India has strategically protected its domestic agricultural and MSME sectors by excluding sensitive products like dairy, chocolates, gold, silver, footwear, and sports goods from duty concessions. While offering Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ) based liberalizations on certain Omani exports like dates, marbles, and petrochemicals, Oman has agreed to allow Indian firms to import marble blocks, despite it being a banned export in Oman.

News Article:

India and Oman Seal Trade Pact, Prioritizing Domestic Interests

Muscat, Oman – December 18, 2025 – India and Oman have officially inked the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) today in Muscat, marking a significant step towards bolstering bilateral trade relations. While the agreement aims to enhance trade opportunities for both nations, India has emphasized its commitment to safeguarding domestic farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The agreement includes a carefully constructed framework that protects sensitive Indian sectors. Crucially, India has excluded key agricultural products such as dairy, tea, coffee, rubber, and tobacco, as well as goods like gold, silver, jewellery, footwear, and sports goods from any duty concessions. This strategic move is designed to shield Indian producers from potential import competition.

While protecting key sectors, India has offered Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ)-based tariff liberalizations on Omani exports considered sensitive to the Indian market, including dates, marbles, and petrochemical products. Under the TRQ mechanism, a specified quota will benefit from duty concessions, with normal import duties applying beyond that limit. The annual quota for duty-free dates will be 2,000 tonnes.

In a noteworthy development, Oman has agreed to permit Indian firms to import marble blocks, an item currently banned for export in Oman. This concession is expected to provide a boost to the Indian construction and manufacturing sectors.

The CEPA underscores the commitment of both India and Oman to fostering mutually beneficial trade relations while prioritizing the economic interests of their respective domestic industries.

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