Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, met with former Sri Lankan President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, on the sidelines of the ongoing 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, Oman. Jaishankar shared the moment on social media, expressing his pleasure in meeting the former leader.
The two leaders’ interaction took place as part of the flagship event for the Indian Ocean region, which brings together regional and global stakeholders to discuss maritime partnerships, trade connectivity, sustainable development, and maritime security. This year’s conference is being held under the theme, "Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership."
The conference, which runs from February 16-17, 2025, is set to explore critical issues such as ensuring freedom of navigation, enhancing port security, and leveraging technology for improved governance. Experts are also discussing ways to foster stronger maritime trade links and collaborative efforts in maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment in the Indian Ocean.
In addition to Jaishankar and Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism, Vijitha Herath, is also attending the conference, highlighting the region's growing commitment to addressing shared challenges and opportunities.
The Indian Ocean Conference, organized annually by India’s Ministry of External Affairs in association with the India Foundation, serves as a vital consultative forum for Indian Ocean countries to build partnerships and drive collaboration on issues of regional importance.
