Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted India’s cultural diversity as its greatest strength while addressing the Indian community and students in Muscat, Oman. Calling diversity the foundation of Indian culture, the Prime Minister said that Indians respect diversity wherever they go and adapt to local cultures with ease. “I see a mini India before me,” he remarked while interacting with the diaspora.

PM Modi arrived in Oman on Wednesday on the third and final leg of his three-nation tour. The event saw participation from students of more than 700 Indian schools and marked the completion of 50 years of Indian education in Oman. Congratulating the Indian community on this milestone, the Prime Minister described it as a proud moment in India-Oman relations.

Before beginning his address, PM Modi encouraged the audience to chant “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.” His speech began amid loud chants of “Modi, Modi,” reflecting the enthusiasm of the gathering.

Speaking about India’s development, the Prime Minister said Indians living abroad closely follow progress back home. “You regularly visit India and stay updated with its development. Today, India is moving forward at a new pace. The speed of our development is reflected in our intentions as well as our performance,” he said. Referring to recent economic data, PM Modi added that India’s growth rate has crossed 8 percent, making it the world’s fastest-growing major economy despite global challenges.

Education as a bridge between India and Oman
Highlighting the role of education in strengthening bilateral ties, PM Modi said the relationship between India and Oman, which began with trade, has now been reinforced through education. He noted that over 46,000 students are studying in Indian schools in Oman, including children from other communities. He also mentioned initiatives like “Pariksha Pe Charcha,” in which students from Oman actively participate, helping them and their parents deal with exam-related stress.

“Our diversity is our strength”
Referring to the strong bond between the two countries, PM Modi said the Indian community in Oman reflects the spirit of unity in diversity. “We have gathered here like a family. We are celebrating our country and our Team India. Diversity in India is the strong foundation of our culture,” he said. He added that every day, season, and tradition in India brings a new color and thought, which is why Indians naturally respect diversity wherever they live.

PM Modi also thanked Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman for his support towards the welfare of the Indian community and described the Indian diaspora as a symbol of coexistence and cooperation.

Future-ready India-Oman partnership
Earlier, at the India-Oman Business Summit in Muscat, the Prime Minister said the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) would give new direction and energy to bilateral relations in the 21st century. He emphasized that India’s growth benefits not only itself but also its friendly nations.

PM Modi said India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy, which would be especially beneficial for Oman, given the strong friendship and shared maritime ties between the two countries. Bilateral trade between India and Oman stood at around USD 10.5 billion in the financial year 2024–25, reflecting the growing depth of the partnership.