Muscat, February 16, 2025: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain in Muscat, focusing on easing tensions between Delhi and Dhaka regarding minority attacks and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India. This high-level meeting took place during the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, where Jaishankar highlighted regional instability and called for unity.
Key Diplomatic Engagements:
Jaishankar held bilateral talks with several South Asian counterparts, including:
- Nepal Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba Rana
- Bhutan Foreign Minister D.N. Dhungyel
- Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath
- Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
- Foreign Ministers of Mauritius and Brunei
- Omani co-host Syed Badr Hamad Al Busaidi
India-Bangladesh Border Talks Expected
According to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two countries are planning a border guards’ meeting this week to resolve security concerns. Both sides acknowledged existing challenges and stressed the need for cooperation.
BIMSTEC Summit on the Horizon
Jaishankar highlighted the importance of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), as the summit is scheduled in Bangkok from April 2-4, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus are expected to participate.
Indian Ocean Conference Takeaways
Jaishankar addressed over 25 country representatives, warning of geopolitical shifts in the Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific, and West Asia. He emphasized collective security, citing the Gaza conflict and U.S. President Trump’s relocation proposal for Gazans as destabilizing factors.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi criticized U.S. sanctions, urging regional unity. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Herath stressed maritime security cooperation.
India’s Commitment to Regional Stability
Jaishankar reiterated India’s $4 billion aid package to Sri Lanka, support for economic recovery, and India’s role as a “First Responder” in regional crises.
Why This Matters for South Asia:
- Stronger Diplomatic Ties: Boosts cooperation among neighboring countries.
- Enhanced Trade & Connectivity: Plans to improve cross-border trade and infrastructure.
- Regional Security Focus: Joint strategies to maintain peace and combat external pressures.
Conclusion
Jaishankar’s meetings in Muscat signal India’s proactive approach to fostering unity in South Asia. With the BIMSTEC summit approaching, expect further strides in trade, security, and cooperation across the region.
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