India Highlights Maritime Cooperation at Indian Ocean Conference 2025

Muscat, Oman – Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a keynote address at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, emphasizing India’s commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships and regional stability. The conference, themed “Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership,” is hosted by the Sultanate of Oman and organized by India Foundation, RSIS, and Ram Madhav.

In his speech, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly the challenges posed by conflicts in the Middle East and tensions in the Indo-Pacific. He underscored the economic and strategic significance of the Indian Ocean, calling it a “global lifeline” that requires collaborative efforts to maintain stability and security.

India’s commitment to regional stability was outlined through ten key initiatives:

1. Economic Stability Support – India provided a $4 billion financial package to stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy and has extended assistance in food, fuel, and medical supplies to multiple nations.
2. Connectivity Projects – India leads major infrastructure initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
3. Disaster Response – India has acted as a first responder to crises, aiding in natural disasters and humanitarian missions in Yemen, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Mozambique.
4. Plurilateral Cooperation – India supports regional collaborations, including the Quad disaster response initiative and the ReCAAP anti-piracy center in Singapore.
5. Maritime Surveillance – Establishing coastal surveillance radars and White Shipping agreements to enhance maritime safety.
6. Naval Security Operations – Deploying naval forces in the Northern Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden to counter threats and improve security.
7. Capacity Building – Training and equipping the navies and coast guards of partner nations such as Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Mauritius.
8. Digital Security – Engaging in global digital security consortiums to ensure trusted communication networks.
9. Indo-Pacific Diplomacy – Advocating for an inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific, ensuring adherence to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
10. Institution Building – Strengthening regional organizations like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), BIMSTEC, and the Colombo Security Conclave.

Dr. Jaishankar reiterated India’s role as a key player in fostering regional security and economic growth. He urged Indian Ocean nations to work collectively towards “stability, security, and prosperity,” emphasizing that coordinated efforts would help navigate global challenges effectively.

The Indian Ocean Conference continues to serve as a crucial platform for regional and international stakeholders to discuss maritime cooperation and geopolitical strategies. The event features high-level participation from government officials, security experts, and industry leaders.