As it seeks to rival China and Pakistan, India sets its sights on Oman trade deal

India appears poised to sign a comprehensive trade agreement with Oman in a matter of weeks, as it moves to expand its foothold in the Middle East.

For the moment, the deal remains pending, awaiting official approval from the next, newly elected government in New Delhi. The agreement should be finalized sometime after June 4, when results of the general election held April 19–June 1 are announced.

If not for the ongoing national election process, New Delhi would have preferred to finalize the deal with Muscat sooner, to retain a “competitive edge” over Pakistan and China, both of which are negotiating trade agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

According to Reuters, two Indian government officials confirmed the prospective deal last week, with one of them sharing that it would provide India with a “strategic partner and access to key trade routes in a volatile region.”