EAM Jaishankar meets Omani counterpart, discusses regional developments

Muscat, Jul 10 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi and the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of the Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on regional and global issues. Jaishankar, who is on a visit to Gulf countries, arrived in Oman earlier in the day. The minister, in a social media post, said he was delighted to meet the Omani foreign minister and hold discussions on “various facets of our cooperation”. “Focused on trade, investments, connectivity, maritime, technology, defence and cyber & AI domains. Had a comprehensive exchange of views on developments in the Gulf, and efforts to ensure peace and stability,” he said. The two ministers reviewed the full spectrum of the India-Oman Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Jaishankar also conveyed India's appreciation to the Oman government for the prompt assistance extended to Indian seafarers during the recent regional developments, it added. Three Indian seafarers were killed in a US attack off the coast of Oman last month on the commercial tanker Settebello, which had 24 Indian crew members on board. The attack on Settebello came two days after a Palau-flagged vessel with 24 Indians came under attack by the US Navy as the ship tried to evade the US blockade of Iranian ports. India has voiced its firm opposition to attacks on merchant shipping amid the ongoing Iran conflict, and told the UN Security Council that several of its nationals have died or are missing due to attacks in the region. The external affairs minister also interacted with members of the Indian community in Oman and appreciated their continued contribution towards further strengthening the multifaceted India-Oman relationship, the release said. “A good interaction with members of Indian diaspora in Oman this morning. Their enthusiasm in strengthening India-Oman relations was palpable,” Jaishankar posted on X. The Gulf visit comes against the backdrop of fast-evolving political dynamics in West Asia following the signing of an agreement aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict. PTI GSP GSP