On February 17, 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held crucial talks with counterparts from Mauritius, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka at the Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relationships and enhancing cooperation in various domains, affirming India’s commitment to regional stability and mutual support.
On February 17, 2025, in Muscat, Oman, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, engaged in discussions with foreign ministers from several neighboring countries. The meetings took place on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference and included representatives from Mauritius, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, highlighting India’s ongoing diplomatic efforts within the region.
During his meeting with Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ritish Ramful, Minister Jaishankar emphasized the commitment to strengthen the “special bonds of friendship” between the two nations. This meeting marked their first interaction, which was positively noted as a warm exchange.
In his meeting with Abdulla Khaleel, the Maldives Foreign Minister, Jaishankar discussed various aspects of India-Maldives cooperation, furthering the dialogue on mutual collaboration and support. His social media posts reflect a pleased attitude towards advancing these bilateral engagements.
Further, Jaishankar met with Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, focusing on the broader cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. He reiterated India’s commitment to supporting the economic recovery of Sri Lanka with a productive discussion about their ongoing cooperation.
Jaishankar also had discussions with Arzu Rana Deuba, Nepal’s Foreign Minister, where they reviewed bilateral relations and expressed intentions to deepen their cooperative ties. Their conversation included insights into enhancing relations between the two countries.
The dialogue extended to Bhutan’s Foreign Minister, D.N. Dhungyel, where Jaishankar addressed advancing regional cooperation. He highlighted the longstanding partnership between India and Bhutan during their discussions, emphasizing the importance of their unique relationship.
Additionally, Jaishankar met with counterparts from Oman, Brunei, Iran, and Bangladesh, indicating a broad spectrum of diplomatic interactions during the conference. He delivered a keynote address regarding maritime stability and the implications of regional conflicts on maritime security.
Organized by India Foundation in collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, taking place on February 16-17, 2025, features the theme, “Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.” This conference, established in 2016, continues to serve as a pivotal forum for regional dialogue on maritime and other cooperative issues.
In conclusion, S. Jaishankar’s series of meetings at the Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat underscores India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relationships with its neighboring countries. Through strategic discussions with counterparts from Mauritius, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, significant progress toward regional cooperation and mutual support was emphasized. The overall engagement showcases India’s diplomatic efforts within the Indian Ocean region, reinforcing its role as a pivotal player in regional stability.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
