Synopsis : Under the India–Oman Free Trade Agreement, Oman will export raw marble blocks to India for the first time since 2016. The move is expected to reduce dependence on Turkish marble imports while boosting domestic processing and job creation.
India’s trade and industrial strategy received a significant boost as Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that Oman has agreed to export raw marble blocks to India under the India–Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The development is poised to replace a substantial portion of India’s marble imports from Turkey and strengthen the domestic marble processing industry.
Notably, Oman had banned the export of raw marble blocks since 2016 to encourage value addition within its own borders. India has now become the first country to receive special access to these marble blocks, highlighting growing economic cooperation between New Delhi and Muscat.
Speaking at a press briefing, Goyal said that importing marble blocks instead of finished slabs would allow India to process, manufacture, and add value domestically, generating employment and supporting the local marble and construction ecosystem. He added that Omani marble is competitively priced, making it an attractive alternative to Turkish imports.
This shift in sourcing comes at a time when India–Turkey relations have been under strain since May, following the use of Turkish-made drones by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, which targeted multiple Indian cities. Citing national security concerns, Indian authorities had also revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services India.
A senior government official explained that most countries prefer exporting finished marble slabs, but raw marble blocks are critical for downstream industries. “Blocks can be converted into slabs locally and used across sectors. It makes strategic and economic sense for India, which is why the imports have been allowed under a defined quota,” the official said.
The move is expected to reduce import dependence, enhance value addition, support MSMEs, and align with India’s broader goal of strengthening domestic manufacturing under its trade agreements.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available statements and reports. It should not be interpreted as legal, trade, or investment advice.
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