Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, held discussions with his counterparts from Mauritius, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan during the Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman. Conversations focused on strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing cooperation, and addressing regional challenges. The conference emphasized the importance of maritime partnerships and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar recently engaged in a series of significant discussions with his counterparts from Mauritius, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan during the Indian Ocean Conference held in Muscat, Oman. This event provided a platform for bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing regional cooperation among participating nations.
During the conference, Dr. Jaishankar met with Dhananjay Ritish Ramful, the Foreign Minister of Mauritius. They emphasized the commitment to enhance the special relationships between their countries. Jaishankar remarked on their first meeting as an important opportunity for both nations.
Dr. Jaishankar also had discussions with Abdulla Khaleel, his Maldivian counterpart. The leaders exchanged views on various aspects of India-Maldives cooperation, highlighting the importance of continued partnership and dialogue.
In his meeting with Vijitha Herath of Sri Lanka, Dr. Jaishankar discussed broader cooperation and reaffirmed India’s dedication to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and progress during this challenging period.
Additionally, Dr. Jaishankar met with Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, to review mutual cooperation and expressed eagerness to further strengthen the ties between their countries.
The minister’s discussions with Bhutan’s DN Dhungyel centered on advancing both bilateral and regional collaborations, showcasing the resilience of their longstanding partnership.
Beyond these bilateral meetings, Dr. Jaishankar also engaged with counterparts from Oman, Brunei, Iran, and Bangladesh during the conference. The minister presented a keynote address, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to agreements to maintain stability in the region and addressing maritime implications arising from ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
The 8th Indian Ocean Conference, organized by India Foundation in collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took place on February 16-17, 2025, focusing on the theme “Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.” Since its inception in 2016, the conference has evolved into a pivotal platform for dialogue among 30 countries on regional affairs.
In conclusion, Dr. S. Jaishankar’s engagements at the Indian Ocean Conference illustrate India’s commitment to fostering stronger regional partnerships through diplomatic dialogues with its neighboring countries. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation, economic recovery, and stability in the Indian Ocean region, reflecting India’s strategic interests and collaborative approach in foreign relations.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
