
Jaishankar holds talks with his counterparts from Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan
Muscat: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held meetings with his counterparts from Mauritius, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka on the sidelines of Indian Ocean Conference in Oman's capital Muscat on Sunday.
Jaishankar met his Mauritius counterpart Dhananjay Ritish Ramful and underlined commitment to further strengthen "special bonds of friendship" between two nations. Jaishankar noted that it was his first meeting with Ramful.
In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "A warm first meeting with FM @RitishRamful of Mauritius. Underlined our commitment to further our special bonds of friendship."
EAM Jaishankar held a meeting with his Maldives counterpart Abdulla Khaleel. During the meeting, the two leaders held talks on the many facets of India-Maldives cooperation.
Sharing details regarding his meeting with his Maldives counterpart on X, Jaishankar stated, "Pleased to catch up with FM @abkhaleel of Maldives. Exchanged views on the many facets of our cooperation."
Jaishankar met his Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath and discussed wide-ranging cooperation between two nations. He expressed India's commitment to the economic recovery and progress of Sri Lanka.
"A productive interaction with FM @HMVijithaHerath on sidelines of 8th Indian Ocean Conference Took stock of our wide - ranging cooperation. Committed to the economic recovery and progress of Sri Lanka," Jaishankar posted on X.
S Jaishankar met his Nepal counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba on the sidelines of Indian Ocean Conference. During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation and looked forward to strengthening ties.
Mentioning details regarding his meeting with his Nepal counterpart on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Glad to meet with FM @Arzuranadeuba of Nepal today. Had a useful review of our bilateral cooperation. Look forward to strengthening our ties."
Jaishankar held a meeting with his Bhutan counterpart DN Dhungyel, with the discussion focused on advancing bilateral and regional cooperation.
In a post shared on X, External Affairs Minister wrote, "A pleasure talking with @FMBhutan D. N. Dhungyel in Muscat today. Our discussion focused on advancing our bilateral and regional cooperation. Underlined the dynamism of our unique and time - tested partnership."
During his visit to Oman, Jaishankar also met his counterparts from from Oman, Brunei and Iran on the sidelines of Indian Ocean Conference. He also held a meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain.
He also gave a keynote address at the Indian Ocean Conference where he stressed the importance of adhering to agreements in ensuring stability. He was elaborating on the maritime consequences of the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
The 8th Indian Ocean Conference is being organised by India Foundation in association with Oman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Muscat on February 16-17, 2025. The theme for this year of the Conference is Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.
The Indian Ocean Conference was started by India Foundation in 2016 at Singapore, with participation from 30 countries, according to the official statement. In the past 8 years, the Conference has emerged as the flagship consultative forum for countries in the region over regional affairs.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Times of Oman
17 hours ago
- Times of Oman
India will have its own big four accounting giants, says Piyush Goyal
Bern: India is actively working to establish its own version of the global "Big Four" accounting and consultancy firms, as Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed confidence that homegrown giants will emerge "very soon." Speaking to reporters in Bern on Monday, Goyal outlined the government's strategy to create large domestic accountancy firms capable of competing with international leaders Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young, and KPMG, which currently dominate India's consultancy landscape. "We are trying to create our own Big Four. Earlier, the rules were not friendly - we couldn't have mergers, and our mindset was also different," Goyal explained. "Now, gradually, people are understanding the benefits of partnerships. We will have our big four in India very soon - wait and watch." The minister highlighted a fundamental shift in India's approach to professional services, noting that traditional Indian CA firms previously preferred individual leadership over collaborative partnerships. This cultural change, combined with regulatory reforms, is paving the way for larger, more competitive domestic firms. Goyal emphasised India's commitment to creating a discrimination-free investment environment, positioning the country as an attractive destination for global businesses. "India is such a country where you will never face any discrimination. Total non-discrimination is guaranteed," he stated. He explained that foreign companies investing in India are treated as Indian entities once established, ensuring equal treatment and opportunities. "If you come to India and invest, you become an Indian company. Once you become an Indian company, you will never feel any discrimination." The minister contrasted India's approach with other countries that "create unnecessary barriers and trouble the industries of other countries," emphasising India's open and welcoming investment climate. Goyal positioned free trade agreements as crucial instruments for promoting investment, noting that India's growing reputation as a preferred investment destination is being reinforced through these strategic partnerships. The development of domestic "Big Four" firms represents part of India's broader economic strategy to build world-class professional services capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign consultancy giants. This initiative aligns with the government's vision of creating a more self-reliant and competitive business ecosystem. Earlier in the day, he met the Chairman and Committee Members of the recently established Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Zurich Chapter. "Met the Chairman & Committee Members of the recently established @TheICAI Zurich Chapter. Had a detailed discussion on promoting India's fintech expertise and collaboration opportunities in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services and Insurance) sector, especially in the innovative startup ecosystem. Friends from the media also joined us for this interaction," Goyal wrote on X. Goyal began his two-day Switzerland visit with an interaction with CEOs of select Swiss companies and prospective investors in India over lunch on Monday.


Times of Oman
17 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Germany 'eager' to host Indian students amid US visa pause, sees 35 per cent surge in university applications
New Delhi: Amid growing uncertainty around student visa processes in several Western countries, Germany is positioning itself as a stable and reliable "alternative" for Indian students, saying, "we are not erratic and volatile," and promising a secure academic environment. The German Embassy in India reported a 35 per cent surge in applications to German universities from India over the past months, reflecting growing interest in the country's higher education system. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, German Ambassador Dr Philipp Ackermann said, "In the context of the difficulties Indian students face in other countries, we have seen a sharp rise in interest for German universities and research institutions. Applications have increased by over 35 per cent in the last couple of months." Currently, around 50,000 Indian students are studying in Germany, making it one of the top five study destinations for Indians after the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. In what appeared to be a subtle remark of growing scrutiny in other nations, Ambassador Ackermann assured Indian students of Germany's transparent and stable system. "We are a very reliable partner. When it comes to studying or researching in Germany, we don't check your social media before you arrive," he said. The ambassador also highlighted that most state-run universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. When they do, the fees are nominal compared to those in Anglo-Saxon countries. "We believe education is a public good, not a business opportunity," he said. The ambassador's remarks come amidst the backdrop of a crackdown on foreign students in the US. US President Donald Trump's administration has ordered US embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants. Dr Katja Lasch, Director of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Regional Office in New Delhi, was also present at the press interaction. German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is a funding organisation that supports international students and researchers who wish to study or conduct research in Germany. She emphasised that Indian students should avoid using commercial agents, noting that applications can be submitted independently through university websites. "Most public universities in Germany do not work with agents. Our system is transparent and accessible. Students can get free counselling from DAAD and German university liaison offices in India," Dr Lasch said. DAAD also highlighted that Germany offers over 2,300 English-language programs, including opportunities for international students to pursue PhDs, with strong career support and pathways into the labour market. Germany is facing a significant demand for skilled professionals, especially in STEM fields. "We are looking for the smartest, most dedicated students--those who are eager to contribute and grow. And we see that in Indian students," Ambassador Ackermann said. Post-graduation, students are allowed to stay in Germany for up to 18 months to look for employment, and once placed, they can easily extend their residence permits. Officials stressed Germany's commitment to being a reliable, non-volatile partner in international education, especially as students face delays and unpredictability in countries like the US. "Germany is very eager and happy to welcome Indian students. In these turbulent times, we offer not just world-class education but also a stable, inclusive, and trustworthy system," Ackermann concluded.


Times of Oman
18 hours ago
- Times of Oman
"Natural partners": EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on holding first-ever EU-India strategic dialogue
Brussels : In a significant move, India and the European Union held the first-ever EU-India strategic dialogue on cyber security, defense, and space in Brussels on Tuesday (local time). External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held a press conference along with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas. In her opening remarks, Kallas said the two sides are "natural partners," jointly representing a quarter of the world's population and GDP. "The European Union and India are natural partners. We make up a quarter of the world's population and GDP. By working together, we have great potential to make a global impact. Today, we are holding the first-ever EU-India strategic dialogue. This marks a significant step forward in our partnership and in addressing threats like cyberattacks and foreign interference. It also paves the way for much deeper defence cooperation, sharing expertise and exploring joint initiatives. First on security, Europe and India face many of the same challenges. Terrorism, military build-ups and violations of international law affect both of us," said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. India and the EU conducted a joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean, demonstrating their shared commitment to upholding international law at sea. The two sides are strengthening their cooperation on counter-terrorism, including information sharing, capacity building, and joint efforts to combat terrorism financing. Kallas said, "Last week, India and the European Union held a joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean. This is more than symbolic. It shows our shared commitment to uphold international law at sea. EU-India cooperation on counter-terrorism is also growing stronger. We have already worked together on information sharing, capacity building, and joint efforts to combat terrorism financing. Today, we also agreed to hold our next counter-terrorism dialogue in autumn. The EU is working together with India and together more on space." There is a strong case for an EU-India Security and Defense Partnership, given the interconnectedness of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. Noting that EU already has such partnerships with seven other countries, she noted, "Today we renewed our intention to work towards this goal because peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific are closely intertwined with peace and security in Europe. Beyond defence, we cooperate in many other areas, from digital connectivity to research and innovation to green energy and trade." India and the EU have agreed to establish a formal dialogue on space, covering areas such as satellite navigation and security. The two sides already share data from Earth's observation satellites, further enhancing their cooperation in space. "We already have access to each other's data from Earth's observation satellites. And at our meeting, we agreed to establish a new formal dialogue on space. This will cover areas such as satellite navigation and security and the first session is to take place also autumn this year. Looking ahead, there is a strong case for EU-India Security and Defense Partnership," said EU foreign policy chief. India and the EU are committed to progressing towards an ambitious free trade agreement this year. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order, emphasizing the importance of strong and trusted partnerships. Speaking about the progress on the Free Trade agreement discussions between India and EU, Kallas said, "We are committed to progress towards an ambitious free trade agreement this year. This was agreed by President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Modi in February, and finally, Minister Jaishankar and I also reaffirmed our shared commitment to multilateralism and stable, rules-based international order. In today's contested global landscape, it is more than ever important to build strong and trusted partnerships. The European Union is a reliable, predictable and credible partner for India. With the visit of the European Union College to Delhi in February and next year's EU-India Summit, we want to deepen our partnership at all levels further." Kallas stressed the EU's support for India's right to protect its citizens and condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Kallas said, "I want to reiterate the EU's strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Those responsible must be held accountable. India has the right to protect its citizens in accordance with international law. Minister Jaishankar, you and I were in close contact after the attack." She further added, "I regret the tragic loss of lives in India and Pakistan. The EU supports continued talks between India and Pakistan to reduce tensions. No one stands to gain from renewed conflict in the region." Moreover she responded to nuclear threats and said, "It is clear from the discussions that we had right now that nuclear threats cannot pay off, and this is a mutual concern. We see different actions, in our case, Russia using nuclear threats, and we also see other actors in the world using this. So we will discuss this further." Speaking about India's policy, she said, "Our India policy is related to our bilateral relations. It's not against anybody, but it's really to our benefit to see where the mutual interests of both sides are."