India-Oman CEPA in force: The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement takes effect today, giving Indian exporters duty-free access to 98.08% of Oman’s tariff lines (covering 99.38% of India’s export value) and expected to lift India’s goods exports by nearly 50% over three years, with immediate zero-duty access for items like honey, cashew, dairy, frozen fish, and confectionery, plus services and mobility provisions for professionals. Oman investment push: Oman Investment Authority expanded its Future Generations Fund portfolio in 2025 across private equity, venture capital, healthcare, logistics, infrastructure and advanced technology, reaching about RO 8.57bn with RO 1.041bn profits. MSX market reform: Muscat Stock Exchange extended trading hours to boost liquidity, price discovery and market depth. Strait of Hormuz pressure: Iran says new regulations govern Hormuz traffic and rejects foreign interference, while US-Iran talks remain unsettled as Washington seeks further changes to a proposed ceasefire-and-reopening framework; France’s Macron urged a swift US-Iran deal and immediate reopening “without conditions,” as maritime risk and mine warnings continue. Tourism projects: Oman’s MoHT signed usufruct deals for a 4-star resort in Al Hamra and a 5-star hotel in Mirbat, with investment above RO 12m (about $31m).