External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held strategic discussions with his counterparts from Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka at the Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman. The talks revolved around strengthening bilateral relations, economic recovery, and regional cooperation. Jaishankar also engaged with counterparts from other nations and delivered insights on maritime stability.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with his counterparts from Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka during the Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman. The meetings highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation. The dialogue addressed various dimensions of collaboration among these nations, focusing on friendship, economic recovery, and strategic partnerships.
In a notable meeting with Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ritish Ramful, Jaishankar expressed eagerness to further enhance the special friendship between India and Mauritius. He acknowledged the significance of their first encounter, emphasizing mutual interests.
Jaishankar also engaged with Maldives’ Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, where they discussed various aspects of India-Maldives cooperation, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between the two nations.
Furthermore, the external affairs minister had productive talks with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, underscoring India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
During his interactions with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, Jaishankar emphasized the need for strengthening ties and reviewing existing bilateral cooperation.
A meeting with Bhutanese Foreign Minister D.N. Dhungyel focused on advancing both bilateral and regional cooperation while recognizing the enduring partnership between India and Bhutan.
In addition to these discussions, Jaishankar met his counterparts from Oman, Brunei, and Iran and also addressed the conference, emphasizing adherence to international agreements for stability in maritime areas affected by ongoing conflicts.
The 8th Indian Ocean Conference, organized by India Foundation in collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took place from February 16 to 17, 2025, with the theme “Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.” This event serves as a significant platform for discussion on regional issues, having commenced in Singapore in 2016 with broad international participation.
In summary, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s meetings during the Indian Ocean Conference reflect India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relationships and regional cooperation with neighboring countries. The discussions focused on various aspects of collaboration, including economic support and strategic partnerships. This underscores India’s active role in addressing the complexities of regional dynamics and fostering stability in the Indian Ocean region.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
