Trade deals breathe new life into historic bloc

While often overlooked, the political and economic potential of the Commonwealth is vast and growing. The 56 countries of the Commonwealth, which include Oman, are a key platform for collaboration, connected by common institutions, and shared legal traditions. At the heart of this is a generally common language of English — though French and Portuguese nations also are in the club — with bonds that can be leveraged to strengthen connectivity. The membership includes India, which is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy in coming years, leapfrogging Japan and Germany.