New Delhi, India – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik was accorded an official reception on Saturday at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on the occasion of his state visit to the Republic of India.

When His Majesty the Sultan’s motorcade entered the gate of the Presidential Palace, it was greeted by a group of knights, while the artillery fired a 21-gun salute to His Majesty.

Upon arrival of His Majesty the Sultan’s motorcade in the palace courtyard, President Droupadi Murmu of the Republic of India, and Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, were at the forefront of the welcoming party. They wished His Majesty the Sultan and his official delegation a pleasant stay.

After that, commemorative photos were taken of His Majesty the Sultan, the Indian President and the Indian Prime Minister.

His Majesty the Sultan headed to the dais of honour, where the national anthems of the two countries were played, followed by His Majesty inspecting a guard of honour that lined up to greet him. Then, His Majesty the Sultan shook hands with senior members of the welcoming party.

His Majesty the Sultan held a meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi with PM Modi. The meeting affirmed the strength of Omani-Indian relations and the importance of developing these in a manner that further achieves the aspirations of the friendly peoples of the two countries. The meeting also explored various aspects of interest to both countries.

It was attended from the Omani side by Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al Busaidi, Minister of Diwan of Royal Court, Gen Sultan bin Mohammed al Nu’amani, Minister of Royal Office, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, and Dr Hamad bin Said al Aufi, Head of Private Office. It was also attended by senior Indian officials.
According to Indian media, His Majesty the Sultan and PM Modi adopted a new joint vision.

Speaking at the meeting of the joint delegation, PM Modi said, “Today we are adopting a new India-Oman joint vision, a partnership for the future. In this joint vision, concrete action points have been agreed upon in ten different areas. I am confident that the joint vision will give a new and modern shape to our partnership.”

He added, “I am happy that the discussion on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is going on and two rounds of discussions have been successfully completed, in which many important issues have been agreed upon. I hope that we will soon be able to sign this agreement which will add a new dimension to our economic cooperation.”

Terming H M the Sultan’s maiden state visit as ‘historic’, PM Modi said, “I am happy to welcome you to India. Today is a historic day in Oman-India relations as after 26 years, the Sultan of Oman has come to India on a state visit and I have got the opportunity to welcome you. On behalf of the people of India, I welcome you.”

He also congratulated Oman for qualifying for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the US next year.

India also extended a special invitation to the sultanate to participate in the G20 Summit and meetings as a guest country under India’s G20 Presidency.

His Majesty the Sultan also visited the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi. PM Modi hosted a luncheon in His Majesty the Sultan Haitham’s honour on Saturday.

Agencies