What to Expect from EAM Jaishankar's Upcoming Visits to Mauritius and UAE?

EAM Jaishankar's Diplomatic Journey

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will embark on a trip to Mauritius and the UAE from April 9 to 12. His itinerary includes participation in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, where he will also engage with the Mauritian leadership to assess the breadth of bilateral relations.

Jaishankar is set to deliver the keynote address at the conference and is anticipated to engage in discussions with his counterparts from various nations attending the event. This visit highlights India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the Vision MAHASAGAR initiative, and its dedication to the Global South, according to a statement from the MEA.

Following Mauritius, Jaishankar will proceed to the UAE for an official visit starting April 11. Over two days, he will meet with UAE leaders to enhance cooperation and strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

The ninth Indian Ocean Conference, organized jointly by the MEA, the New Delhi-based India Foundation, and the Mauritian government, is scheduled from April 10 to 12.

Since its inception in 2016, this annual flagship event has gathered global leaders and experts to discuss significant regional and global issues affecting the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

This year's conference theme, 'Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance,' will steer discussions among heads of government, senior officials, private sector representatives, scholars, and policy experts, as noted on the India Foundation's website.

Key topics will include maritime security, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and the shifting geopolitical landscape.

The foundation emphasized that the conference aims to promote dialogue and collaboration among Indian Ocean nations and major global powers with vested interests in the region.

Jaishankar's visit to the UAE follows the recent announcement of a two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.

India has expressed its support for this agreement, hoping it will pave the way for enduring peace in West Asia.

The MEA reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the West Asia conflict and its disruption of global energy supplies.