English Translation of Prime Minister's address to Indian students and community in Oman (December 18, 2025)

Namaste!
Ahlan wa sahlan !!!

Your youthful enthusiasm and energy have truly energized the atmosphere here. I also warmly greet all the brothers and sisters who could not be accommodated in this hall and are watching the program live on screens in the nearby hall. You can imagine how they must be feeling having come all this way, yet not being able to enter the hall

Friends,

I'm seeing a mini-India in front of me; I think there are a lot of Malayalis here too.

सुखम आणो ?

And not just Malayalam speakers, there are also many people here who speak Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Gujarati.

नलमा?
बागुन्नारा?
चेन्ना-गिद्दिरा?
केम छो?

Friends,

Today we have gathered together like a family. Today we are celebrating our country, our Team India.

Friends,

In India, our diversity is a strong foundation of our culture. Every day adds a new color to life, every season turns into a celebration, and every tradition brings a fresh perspective.

That is why, wherever Indians go and wherever we live, we respect diversity. We adapt to the local culture and traditions. I am seeing the same spirit right here in Oman today

This Indian diaspora has become a living example of coexistence and cooperation.

Friends,

India's rich cultural heritage has recently received another wonderful recognition. As you may know, UNESCO has included Diwali in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Now, the Diwali lamp will light up not just our homes, but the entire world. This is a moment of pride for every Indian across the globe. The global recognition of Diwali honours the light we share; a light that spreads hope, harmony, and humanity.

Friends,

Today, we are all here to celebrate the India-Oman "Friendship Festival (Maitri Parv)".

MAITRI means:
M for maritime heritage
A for Aspirations
I for Innovation
T for Trust and technology
R for Respect
I for Inclusive growth

In other words, this "Maitri Parv" celebrates the bond between our two countries, our shared history, and our prosperous future. India and Oman have enjoyed a warm and vibrant relationship for centuries.

The monsoon winds of the Indian Ocean guided trade between the two countries. Our ancestors sailed in wooden boats from ports like Lothal, Mandvi, and Tamralipti to Muscat, Sur, and Salalah.

And Friends,

I am glad that our embassy has documented the historical ties between Mandvi and Muscat in a book. I encourage every resident here, especially the youth, to read it and share it with their Omani friends.

Now, you might think teachers give homework at school, and here, Modi ji has given homework too!

Friends,

This book shows that India and Oman are connected not only by geography, but also by generations. And you are all the greatest custodians of these centuries-old ties.

Friends,

I also learned about participation from Oman in the "Know India" quiz. More than ten thousand people from Oman participated in this quiz. Oman secured the fourth position globally.

But I won't clap yet. Oman should be number one! I hope to see even greater participation, with as many people as possible joining in. While Indian children should definitely take part, you should also encourage your Omani friends to join the quiz too.

Friends,

The India - Oman relationship, which began with trade, is now being strengthened through education. I have been informed that around 46,000 students are studying in Indian schools here, including thousands of children from other communities living in Oman.

Indian education in Oman is completing fifty years. This marks a significant milestone in the relations between our two countries.

Friends,

The success of Indian schools would not have been possible without the efforts of His Majesty the Late Sultan Qaboos. He provided land and all necessary support for Indian schools, including the Indian School, Muscat. His Majesty Sultan Haitham has carried forward this tradition.

I would like to express my special gratitude for the way they support and safeguard the Indian community here.

Friends,

You are all familiar with the 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' program. Many students from Oman also take part in it. I am confident that these discussions are helpful for everyone students and parents alike as they guide us to approach exams in a stress-free manner.

Friends,

Indians residing in Oman frequently travel to and from India and stay updated on every development in the country. You all are witnessing how India is advancing with a new momentum of progress. This pace reflects our intentions and is evident in our performance.

Just a few days ago, the economic growth figures were released, and as you may know, India's growth has exceeded 8%. This means that India continues to be the world's fastest-growing major economy. This has happened at a time when the entire world is facing challenges. The largest economies are struggling to achieve even a few percent growth, yet India continues on a path of high growth. This demonstrates India's strength today.

Friends,

Today, India is working at an unprecedented pace across every sector and front. I will share with you some figures from the past eleven years, which I am sure will fill you with pride as well.

Since a large number of students and parents are present here, I will begin by discussing the education and skill sector. Over the past eleven years, thousands of new colleges have been established in India.

The number of IITs has increased from sixteen to twenty-three. Eleven years ago, India had 13 IIMs; today, there are 21. Similarly, regarding AIIMS, before 2014, there were only seven, today, India has 22 AIIMS.

The number of medical colleges in India was fewer than 400, today, there are approximately 800 medical colleges across the country.

Friends,

Today, we are preparing our education and skill ecosystem for a developed India. The New Education Policy plays a significant role in this. As part of this policy model, over fourteen thousand PM Shri Schools are being established.

Friends,

When schools, colleges, and universities expand, it is not just buildings that are constructed; the future of the nation is strengthened.

Friends,

The speed and scale of India's development are evident not just in education but across other sectors as well. Over the past eleven years, India's installed solar energy capacity has increased thirty-fold, and solar module manufacturing has grown ten-fold. India is thus rapidly advancing toward green growth.

Today, India is home to the world's largest fintech ecosystem, is the second-largest steel producer, and the second-largest mobile manufacturer.

Friends,

Today, anyone visiting India is amazed by our modern infrastructure. This has been made possible because, over the past eleven years, we have invested five times more in infrastructure.

The number of airports has doubled. Today, highways are being built at twice the previous pace, railway lines are being laid rapidly, and railway electrification is underway.

Friends,

These figures are not just achievements; they are the steps leading to India's vision of a developed nation. Twenty-first century India takes bold decisions, acts swiftly, pursues ambitious goals, and delivers results within set timelines.

Friends,

Let me share another point of pride. Today, India is building the world's largest digital public infrastructure.

India's UPI, or Unified Payments Interface, is the world's largest real-time digital payment system. To give you an idea of the scale of this payment system, let me share a small example.

I have been here for about 30 minutes. In these 30 minutes alone, India has processed around fourteen million real-time digital payments through UPI. The total value of these transactions exceeds twenty billion rupees. From large showrooms to small vendors, everyone in India is connected to this payment system.

Friends,

There are so many students here, and I would like to share another interesting example. India has developed a modern DigiLocker system. When board exams are conducted in India, the mark sheets are directly uploaded to students' DigiLocker accounts. From birth to old age, any document issued by the government can be stored in DigiLocker. Many such digital systems today are ensuring ease of living across India.

Friends,

You have all witnessed the marvel of India's Chandrayaan mission. India is the first country in the world to reach the Moon's South Pole. Not only that, we also set a record by launching 104 satellites simultaneously in a single mission.

India is now preparing to launch its first human space mission under the Gaganyaan program. The time is not far when India will also have its own space station in orbit.

Friends,

India's space program is not limited to its own boundaries; we are also supporting Oman's space aspirations. Six to seven years ago, we signed an agreement on space cooperation. I am pleased to share that ISRO has developed the India-Oman Space Portal. Our ongoing effort is to ensure that Omani youth also benefit from this space partnership.

I would like to share one more piece of information with the students present here. ISRO runs a special program called 'YUVIKA,' which engages thousands of Indian students with space science. Our current effort is to provide Omani students an opportunity to participate in this program as well.

I would like some students from Oman to visit the ISRO center in Bengaluru and spend some time there. This could be an excellent beginning to elevate the space aspirations of Omani youth to new heights.

Friends,

Today, India is not only finding solutions to its own challenges but is also working on how these solutions can improve the lives of millions of people around the world.

From software development to payroll management, and from data analysis to customer support, numerous global brands are advancing with the strength of India's talent.

For decades, India has been a global powerhouse in IT and IT-enabled services. Now, we are integrating manufacturing with the power of IT. The philosophy behind this is inspired by 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', the world is one family embodied in the idea: Make in India, Make for the World.

Friends,

Whether it is vaccines or generic medicines, the world calls us the 'Pharmacy of the World.' India's affordable and high-quality healthcare solutions are saving the lives of millions across the globe.

During COVID, India sent nearly 300 million vaccines to the world. I am pleased that approximately one hundred thousand 'Made in India' COVID vaccines could serve the people of Oman.

and Friends,

Remember, India undertook this work at a time when everyone else was focused on themselves. We were concerned about the world. India administered vaccines to its 1.4 billion citizens in record time, while also addressing global needs.

This is India's model, a model that offers new hope to the world in the twenty-first century. Therefore, today, as India is manufacturing 'Make in India' chips and working in mission mode on AI, quantum computing, and green hydrogen, it inspires hope in other countries as well, that India's success will also bring them collaboration and support.

Friends,

You are studying and working here in Oman. In the years to come, you will play a significant role in the development of both Oman and India. You are the generation that will provide leadership to the world.

To ensure that Indians residing in Oman face no inconvenience, the Government of Oman is providing all possible support. The Government of India is also fully attentive to your convenience. Eleven Consular Service Centers have been established across Oman.

Friends,

In the past decade, during every global crisis, our government has acted swiftly to assist Indians. Wherever Indians reside in the world, our government stands by them at every step. Initiatives such as the Indian Community Welfare Fund, dedicated help portals, and the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana have been undertaken to support them.

Friends,

This entire region holds a special place for India, and Oman is even more significant for us. I am pleased that the India-Oman relationship is now extending to areas such as skill development, digital learning, student exchange, and entrepreneurship.

I am confident that among you, young innovators will emerge, who will take the India-Oman relationship to new heights in the years to come. Indian schools here have just celebrated their 50th anniversary. Now, we must move forward with goals for the next 50 years. Therefore, I would like to say to every young person:

Dream big.
Learn deeply.
Innovate boldly.

Because your future is not just yours, it is the future of all humanity.

I once again extend my heartfelt wishes to all of you for a bright and prosperous future.

Thank you!

Muscat
December 18, 2025