On Wednesday, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a virtual discussion with Badr Albusaidi, his Omani counterpart. The two discussed a wide range of issues and agreed to bolster their economic cooperation. They also agreed to collaborate in the areas of health and defence. While congratulating Albusaidi on Oman’s 50th National Day, Jaishankar also applauded the government for its support for the Indian community during the pandemic.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides spoke about several bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues. It read, “EAM and Oman FM reviewed cooperation in key areas of India-Oman strategic partnership viz. defence and security, economic cooperation, capacity building and training, consular issues and people-to-people-ties … They emphasised the importance of health and food security in the coming times and the ability of the partnership of both countries to address them”.
On the same day, in pursuance of India’s bid to expand its global footprint, the Secretary of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs met with the Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Vasilyevich. The two discussed several issues relating to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) such as the need to work towards counterterrorism in multilateral organisations. According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, Vasilyvich expressed his support for India as it prepares for taking the non-permanent seat at the UNSC for its two-year term in 2021. The two sides further agreed to continue their “long-standing Special and Strategic Privileged Partnership” during this period.
These meetings come shortly after Jaishankar’s six-day visit to the Gulf and Seychelles. The minister first landed in Bahrain for a two-day visit, wherein he expressed India’s condolences for the death of the country’s Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. The two sides then discussed the importance of maintaining their historical ties and the need to bolster cooperation in various sectors.
He then visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for another two-day visit, wherein he met with his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the need for bilateral cooperation in a post-COVID era and other regional and international issues. Further, on Tuesday, Jaishankar and the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates met to discuss the two sides’ economic partnership in a post-COVID world. Jaishankar also handed over a “personal communication” from Indian Prime Minister Modi and thanked him for “taking care of the Indian community” in the UAE.
Both Bahrain and the UAE are of great importance for India, as both these Arab powers host a significant Indian ex-pat population. Specifically, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed a large portion of this population back to India, India has been looking to collaborate with the two countries to expedite the return of its workers.
Finally, he concluded his visit by visiting Seychelles, wherein he met with the newly elected President Wavel Ramkalawan. The two discussed the future of the two sides’ relationship and the priorities of the new government. They also spoke of their “close security cooperation, strong development partnership and long-standing people-to-people contacts.” According to a statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders “stressed the need to strengthen shared efforts to combat drug trafficking, IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing, piracy and climate change while protecting the ocean ecosystem.” He also held a bilateral discussion with the recently appointed foreign minister Sylvestre Radegonde. The focus of his trip to Seychelles was maritime security and defence cooperation.
Seychelles is crucial for India’s strategic ambitions in the Indian ocean, especially in light of its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision that guides its policies in the region and its Neighbourhood First Policy. Moreover, increasing its influence is also crucial for its aim to counter China’s economic footprint in Seychelles. Consequently, over the past few years, India has offered the country $63.66 million for the construction of its government house, $13.38 million for the attorney general’s office and $13.92 million for its police headquarters.
India Looks to Bolster Partnership with Oman, Russia
Following his 6-day visit to the Seychelles, UAE, and Bahrain, EAM Jaishankar and Secretary Vikas Swarup held virtual discussions with Oman and Russia.
December 3, 2020
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar SOURCE: PTI