Compare the India–UAE CEPA (2022) and India–Oman CEPA (2025) in scope and significance.

Q. Compare the India–UAE CEPA (2022) and India–Oman CEPA (2025) in scope and significance. (15 marks, 250 words)

The India–Oman CEPA (in force 1 June 2026) is India's second comprehensive pact with a GCC state after the India–UAE CEPA (in force 1 May 2022) [1][3]. Both cover goods, services and investment, yet differ in depth and strategic weight.

Scope — market access - UAE: eliminated duties on 97.4% of tariff lines (99% of India's exports); India liberalised 80%+ of lines (90% of export value) [1]. - Oman: zero duty on 98.08% of tariff lines, covering 99.38% of India's export value from Day One; India liberalised 77.79% of its 12,556 lines (94.81% of imports) [2]. - Both aid labour-intensive MSMEs — gems, textiles, leather, marine, pharma — while shielding sensitive Indian lines via Rules of Origin [2].

Scope — services & mobility - UAE opened broad services access; Oman bound 127 sub-sectors, the most comprehensive offer by any GCC country, with GATS Mode-4 entry for accountants, architects and medical professionals [2].

Significance - UAE CEPA was the template, reviving India's FTA momentum post-2022 (EFTA, Australia). - Oman deepens India's Gulf footprint, complementing IMEEC and securing energy logistics near the Strait of Hormuz (Duqm) [1]. - Together they anchor the wider India–GCC FTA push and counter Chinese inroads.

Both CEPAs are complementary pillars of India's Link West strategy: UAE opened the door, Oman widened it. Aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047, they convert Gulf goodwill into rules-based, diversified trade access.

(~250 words)

Sources: 1. India-UAE CEPA enters into force (PIB, 2022) — UAE 97.4% tariff lines, India 80%+ lines; entry into force 1 May 2022 2. India and Oman sign CEPA (PIB) — Oman 98.08%/99.38% figures, India 77.79% of 12,556 lines, 127 services sub-sectors, Mode-4 professions 3. India and Oman energize a new Trade Gateway through CEPA (PIB) — Oman as second GCC CEPA, Gulf/IMEEC/Hormuz strategic significance