EAM S Jaishankar and Omani FM Discuss Trade, Investment, and Energy Security Cooperation

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in comprehensive discussions with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, focusing on trade, investment, and energy security. These talks took place during Jaishankar's visit to the Omani capital for the 8th Indian Ocean Conference. He also interacted with foreign ministers from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Brunei, addressing bilateral and regional cooperation issues.

Jaishankar expressed his gratitude to Badr Albusaidi for successfully hosting the conference. "Delighted to meet FM @badralbusaidi of Oman this morning. Appreciate his personal efforts in successfully hosting the 8th Indian Ocean Conference," he posted on X. The two leaders also unveiled a logo marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and launched a book titled ‘Mandvi to Muscat: Indian Community and the Shared History of India and Oman’.

Regional Cooperation and Bilateral Ties

In a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Jaishankar discussed bilateral ties and regional developments. "Good to meet FM @araghchi of Iran this afternoon. Spoke about our bilateral ties and developments in the region," he shared on X. Additionally, he had a warm conversation with Brunei's Foreign Minister Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, discussing outcomes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s September 2024 visit to Brunei.

Jaishankar also met Bhutanese Foreign Minister D N Dhungyel to strengthen bilateral partnerships. "A pleasure talking with @FMBhutan D. N. Dhungyel in Muscat today. Our discussion focused on advancing our bilateral and regional cooperation," he posted on X. The minister highlighted the dynamic nature of their unique partnership.

Engagements with South Asian Neighbours

During his interaction with Bangladesh's interim government's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Jaishankar focused on bilateral relations and BIMSTEC. BIMSTEC aims to promote economic growth and social progress in the Bay of Bengal region, comprising India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Jaishankar's meeting with Nepal's Foreign Affairs Minister Arzu Rana Deuba involved reviewing bilateral cooperation. "Look forward to strengthening our ties," he stated. Discussions included the Pancheshwar multipurpose project and recent developments in trade, transit, and energy sectors between the two nations.

Commitment to Regional Development

The conference hosted by Oman highlighted its significant Indian community of approximately 664,783 individuals as of August 2024. Jaishankar emphasized the Indian Ocean as a global lifeline and urged regional countries to support each other in development, connectivity, maritime security, and policy coordination.

Jaishankar also met Sri Lanka's former president Ranil Wickremesinghe at the conference. He had productive talks with Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath about their extensive cooperation. The minister reaffirmed India's commitment to Sri Lanka's economic recovery and progress.

In discussions with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, Jaishankar exchanged views on various aspects of their cooperation. He also met Mauritian Foreign Affairs Minister Dhananjay Ritish Ramful for the first time. "A warm first meeting with FM @RitishRamful of Mauritius. Underlined our commitment to further our special bonds of friendship," Jaishankar posted on X.

The interactions at the conference underscored India's dedication to strengthening ties with neighbouring countries through dialogue and collaboration across multiple sectors.