Oman is turning to India to boost its aluminium industry, aiming to create jobs and add value to its raw metal output. This fits into the country’s plan to diversify its economy beyond oil, as part of Vision 2040.
Officials from Muscat recently hosted an event in New Delhi to attract Indian firms into a new aluminium zone, building on the success of a plastics cluster launched three years ago. That zone has secured 28 projects, with ten now producing or nearly ready.
Mundhar Al-Rawahi, who leads the Ladayn programme, explained the vision: “Use Oman’s Sohar Aluminium smelter as the main supplier for processing and manufacturing, rather than just shipping raw aluminium. The new zone will target products like extrusions, rolled sheets, car parts, building materials, and packaging.”
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India and Oman enjoy strong ties, with investments tripling to $5 billion since 2020, led by metals, green steel, and ammonia projects
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Bilateral trade hit $10.5 billion in 2024-25, boosted by a new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that cuts duties to zero on most goods
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Oman offers Indian firms cheap energy, ready infrastructure, investor perks, and prime ports
At the New Delhi event, Omani delegates from Ladayn, Oman Aluminium Rolling Company, Madayn, and OQ pitched these advantages. They held business meetings to spark joint ventures and supply deals. A highlight was Multi Bond Metal LLC signing a $4.5 million deal with Ladayn for an 8,000-tonne coil coating plant.
Tahra Al Zadjali, from the Omani Embassy, stressed Oman’s location as a gateway to Gulf, Europe, Africa, and US markets. Yahya Al Dughaishi added that Oman’s stable rules make it ideal for Indian growth. With discounted raw materials and low power costs, this partnership promises big wins for both nations.
