EAM Jaishankar Calls for Consultative, Transparent Connectivity in Indian Ocean Region

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that it is vital to ensure that connectivity initiatives in Indian Ocean region are consultative and transparent, and not unilateral and opaque. Talking about the India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the India-Myanmar Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMTT) in 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, he said both connectivity considerations would be among the key collaborative connectivity initiatives for the region.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Indian Ocean Conference the Minister stated that there is a churn at the two ends of the Ocean, one being the conflict in West Asia and the other being the tensions and contestations being witnessed in the Indo-Pacific. He emphasised that adhering to agreements and understandings is a central element to ensuring stability and predictability.

Mr Jaishankar today stressed that the the Indian Ocean is a global lifeline and its production, consumption and connectivity is central to the manner in which the world runs. However, he also noted that like other parts of the Global South, the Indian Ocean nations too face



resource constraints and economic headwinds.

The Minister also highlighted how India is contributing to the shared endeavours in the region. He said, India is ensuring maritime safety and security by establishing coastal surveillance radars and partnering on White Shipping agreements. He said, India respond to extreme situations through deployment of naval forces and though capacity-building of other Indian Ocean Navies and coast guards. He said India is ensuring trusted and secure communication in a digital era.

Earlier today, the External Affairs Minister held a meeting with his Oman counterpart Badr Albusaidi. They held wide-ranging discussions on India-Oman cooperation in trade, investment and energy security. They jointly released the logo celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. They also jointly released a book ‘Mandvi to Muscat: Indian Community and the Shared History of India and Oman’.

Dr Jaishankar also met his counterparts from Brunei, Iran, and Bhutan on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference today.