India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

Core Update

India and Oman have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during the Prime Minister's official visit to Oman.

What is India–Oman CEPA?

CEPA is a bilateral trade agreement aimed at deepening economic integration by reducing trade barriers and creating a stable framework for trade and investment.

Key Provisions

• Reduction of trade barriers
• Promotion of bilateral trade and investment
• Expansion of cooperation across major economic sectors
• Job creation and investment flow enhancement

Additional Outcomes

• Adoption of a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation
• MoUs in agriculture, higher education, maritime heritage and millet cultivation
• Exploration of trade in local currencies

UPSC Relevance

• GS-II: Bilateral relations, international agreements
• GS-III: Trade, investment, economic diplomacy

Prelims Trap Alert

⚠️ CEPA is bilateral, not multilateral. CEPA ≠ Free Trade Agreement under WTO terminology.

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