New Delhi, Dec. 18 -- Former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Thursday hailed the newly signed India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a "very important deal", noting that the deal can open a broader comprehensive trade agreement with the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), similar to its approaches with the European Union, ASEAN, and EFTA countries.

Shringla acknowledged the significance of the deal with Oman, noting that it will create significant opportunities for Indian exporters and manufacturers and aligns with India's ongoing trade initiatives, including the recent agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"I think it is a very important deal that will give our expor...