External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar attended the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Oman and delivered the keynote speech at the inaugural session. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday that he highlighted India’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and a stable, prosperous Indian Ocean region.
During his tour, Jaishankar met with Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, the Sultanate of Oman’s foreign minister, to discuss all aspects of India-Oman ties. He thanked Oman’s leadership for hosting the conference and for their unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Forging robust partnerships across the Indian Ocean region.
Completed a fruitful visit to Oman. Some highlights. pic.twitter.com/2gJwaYtZGc
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 17, 2025
They discussed ways and means of taking bilateral cooperation in the areas of common interest to further heights, the MEA stated.
Celebrating 70 Years of India-Oman Diplomatic Relations
Jaishankar, along with Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, inaugurated a specially crafted logo commemorating 70 years of India-Oman diplomatic relations. The logo represents the strong foundation of partnership based on history, culture, and firm people-to-people connections. Both countries intend to celebrate this milestone in 2025.
Jaishankar also launched Mandvi to Muscat: Indian Community and the Shared History of India and Oman, a book that brings out the centuries-long presence of the Indian diaspora in Oman. The book, which was released by the Indian Embassy in Muscat, highlights the Indian community’s longstanding ties and contributions to the growth of bilateral ties.
International and Regional Cooperation with Indian Ocean Countries
Jaishankar held bilateral discussions with the foreign ministers of Brunei, Bangladesh, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Mauritius, and Nepal on the fringes of the summit.
They discussed the principal regional and global issues of mutual interest, solidifying India’s resolve to more intensive engagement in the Indian Ocean region.
Deepening India-Oman Relations and Regional Cooperation
Jaishankar’s visit reasserted the strong and diverse bilateral relationship between Oman and India. His attendance at the Indian Ocean Conference reiterated India’s strategic emphasis on regional stability, economic development, and diplomatic cooperation. Through its interaction with important regional allies, India reaffirms its leadership in the Indian Ocean region.
