External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday. He also held bilateral talks with his counterparts from the member countries. Speaking at the conference, Jaishankar said the Indian Ocean is a "global lifeline" and urged countries in the region to look out for each other, supplement their strengths and coordinate their policies to fulfil its development, connectivity, maritime and security aspirations. The conference was hosted by Oman, which is home to a sizeable Indian community totalling around 6,64,783 as of August 2024, according to the Government of Oman (PICS/X)
Updated on : 16 February,2025 10:49 PM IST | Compiled by : Divya Nair
Elaborating on the maritime consequences of the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, Jaishankar stressed the importance of adhering to agreements in ensuring stability
The Foreign Minister stressed the need to rebuild connectivity in the region, after decades of colonial-era disruption, while also pointing to the challenges of monitoring the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and preventing illegal trafficking
He held wide-ranging discussions with his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi on bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and energy security. The two leaders jointly released the logo celebrating the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations as well as a book titled 'Mandvi to Muscat: Indian Community and the Shared History of India and Oman'
Jaishankar also held "warm" talks with Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Foreign Minister of Brunei. "A warm conversation with Brunei FM Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof this morning. Followed up on PM @narendramodi's September 2024 Brunei visit outcomes. Appreciate his insights on the region and support for India-ASEAN partnership," he said in a post on X
The minister also met Sri Lanka's former president Ranil Wickremesinghe on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference
Jaishankar held bilateral discussions his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi at the conference
"A pleasure talking with @FMBhutan DN Dhungyel in Muscat today. Our discussion focused on advancing our bilateral and regional cooperation. Underlined the dynamism of our unique and time-tested partnership," Jaishankar posted on X after meeting his Bhutanese counterpart
He also held discussions with Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain. The close ties between India and Bangladesh came under severe strain after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to leave the country in the face of a massive anti-government protest in August last year
"Look forward to strengthening our ties," the EAM tweeted after meeting Nepal Foreign Affairs Minister Arzu Rana Deuba
Following his bilateral meeting with Vijitha Herath, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Jaishankar stated that India is "committed to the economic recovery and progress of Sri Lanka'
