External affairs minister Dr S. Jaishankar, attending the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Oman, described the Indian Ocean as a "global lifeline" and urged regional countries to collaborate in meeting shared development, connectivity, maritime, and security objectives.
External affairs minister Dr S. Jaishankar. (Image: DC)
New Delhi: External affairs minister Dr S. Jaishankar, attending the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Oman, described the Indian Ocean as a "global lifeline" and urged regional countries to collaborate in meeting shared development, connectivity, maritime, and security objectives. He noted significant regional tensions: “In the Middle East/West Asia, there is a serious conflict underway with the potential for further escalation... At the other end, the Indo-Pacific has been witnessing deeper tensions and sharper contestations... Adhering to agreements and understandings is central to ensuring stability and predictability.”
Dr Jaishankar highlighted common challenges faced by Indian Ocean states, including monitoring their Exclusive Economic Zones, securing fishing interests, combating illegal trafficking, and addressing terrorism — all of which have profound maritime implications. "Our journey to new horizons must necessarily focus on addressing these challenges," he added.
Dr Jaishankar also held wide-ranging discussions with counterparts from Israel, Iran, Brunei, Bhutan, Fiji, and Oman on Sunday.
In a meeting with Omani foreign minister Badr Albusaidi, the two leaders discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and energy security. "Delighted to meet FM @badralbusaidi this morning. Appreciate his personal efforts in successfully hosting the 8th Indian Ocean Conference. Held wide-ranging discussions on our cooperation in trade, investment, and energy security," Dr Jaishankar posted on X.
Marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, the two countries jointly unveiled a commemorative logo and released the book Mandvi to Muscat: Indian Community and the Shared History of India and Oman.
Dr Jaishankar also met with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, and later held “warm” talks with Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, foreign minister of Brunei. Additionally, on the sidelines of the conference, he met Sri Lanka’s former president Ranil Wickremesinghe.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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