PM Modi's Ear Accessory Seen During Oman Visit Sparks Buzz. What Is It?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Oman earlier this week for a two-day visit. He was received by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs and was given a grand welcome, including a traditional

dance and a guard of honour. However, what stole the show on social media was a small, jewel-like accessory on his ear.

The object quickly became a topic of speculation on social media, with users wondering whether PM Modi had debuted a new fashion accessory or style choice. Several posts referred to it as a “blingy earring,” sparking curiosity and debate across platforms.

However, a closer look clarified that the item was not an earring but a real-time translation device. Such devices are commonly used during international diplomatic engagements to facilitate seamless communication between leaders and officials speaking different languages.

Arabic is the official language of Oman, and the translation equipment helps visiting dignitaries follow conversations accurately during official interactions. PM Modi was wearing the device while meeting Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister at the airport.

During his two-day visit, the Prime Minister held a series of talks aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties between India and Oman with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat.

The visit was marked by a major diplomatic milestone, with PM Modi being conferred “The First Class of the Order of Oman”, the Sultanate’s highest civilian honour. This marked the 29th international civilian award received by the Prime Minister.

A free trade agreement (FTA) was also signed with Oman, which will provide duty-free access to around 98% of India’s exports. On the other hand, India will reduce tariffs on products from Oman, such as dates and marbles.

Apart from the tariff removal on merchandise exports, the deal also included several concessions that are expected to benefit India’s service sector, including in terms of mobility of workers.

The deal was signed in Muscat by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef.

India exported $4.06 billion worth of merchandise to Oman in 2024-25, which made up 0.93% of India’s total exports that year. It imported $6.5 billion worth of goods from Oman, comprising 0.91% of India’s total imports in 2024-25.

(With inputs from agencies)