External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held crucial discussions with the foreign ministers of Mauritius, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka during the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday.
Jaishankar met with Mauritius’ Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ritish Ramful, marking their first-ever interaction. He emphasized strengthening the “special bonds of friendship” between the two nations. Jaishankar shared the moment on social media, stating, “A warm first meeting with FM @RitishRamful of Mauritius. Underlined our commitment to further our special bonds of friendship.”
He also held talks with Maldives’ Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, addressing various aspects of the India-Maldives partnership. Jaishankar tweeted, “Pleased to catch up with FM @abkhaleel of Maldives. Exchanged views on the many facets of our cooperation.”
With Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Jaishankar discussed broad-ranging cooperation and reiterated India’s dedication to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. “A productive interaction with FM @HMVijithaHerath on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference. Took stock of our wide-ranging cooperation. Committed to the economic recovery and progress of Sri Lanka,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
Jaishankar also met with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. The two leaders reviewed their bilateral relations and expressed a shared commitment to strengthening ties. “Glad to meet with FM @Arzuranadeuba of Nepal today. Had a useful review of our bilateral cooperation. Look forward to strengthening our ties,” Jaishankar posted.
During his time in Muscat, Jaishankar also had a meeting with Bhutan’s Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel. Their conversation focused on advancing both bilateral and regional cooperation. Jaishankar commented on social media, “A pleasure talking with @FMBhutan D. N. Dhungyel in Muscat today. Our discussion focused on advancing our bilateral and regional cooperation. Underlined the dynamism of our unique and time-tested partnership.”
In addition to meetings with South Asian counterparts, Jaishankar also engaged with foreign ministers from Oman, Brunei, and Iran, and met Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain.
On the conference’s sidelines, Jaishankar delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the importance of honoring agreements to maintain stability. He particularly focused on the maritime consequences of ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
The 8th Indian Ocean Conference, organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took place in Muscat from February 16-17, 2025. This year’s theme was “Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.”
Launched in 2016 in Singapore, the Indian Ocean Conference has grown into a significant forum for regional cooperation, with participation from 30 countries. Over the past eight years, it has become a key platform for discussing regional affairs.