Saturday 25 / October / 2025
Muscat: A large number of Indian expatriates, especially from the southern Indian state of Kerala, gathered at Al Amerat Park to welcome Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Indian Community Festival on Friday.
The Chief Minister made a grand entrance in an open jeep, waving to the cheering crowd that had assembled at the park since morning.
Taking to X, Vijayan said, “Inaugurated the Indian Community Festival organised by the Oman Indian Social Club in Muscat. Spoke on India’s progress and Kerala’s development journey. Grateful to Indian Ambassador to Oman, G.V. Srinivas, and Chairman and Managing Director of Lulu Group International, M.A. Yusuff Ali, and the Malayali community in Oman for the warm welcome and vibrant celebration.”
During his visit, the Chief Minister also called on officials at the Embassy of India in Muscat. “He was warmly received by the Ambassador and officials of the Embassy. The visit highlights the strong presence of the Kerala community in Oman,” the Indian Embassy said on X.
Addressing the gathering at the Indian Community Festival, Vijayan said, “The welfare of our people living abroad has always been our top priority. You are the pride of Kerala. Your hard work and contributions have strengthened India and Oman.”
Vijayan’s visit marked the first by a Kerala Chief Minister to Oman in 26 years, since the late E.K. Nayanar’s visit in 1999. He lauded the longstanding ties between Oman and Kerala, describing them as “built on trust, mutual respect, and shared prosperity,” and expressed gratitude to the Omani leadership for fostering an inclusive environment that allows the Indian community to thrive.
The General Manager of Sheraton Oman Hotel, Rejin Thomas said, “It was an honour to welcome the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, to Sheraton Oman. Our team was truly privileged to host him and his delegation, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing to stay with us.”
After his engagements in Muscat, the Chief Minister reached Salalah on Saturday evening.
