Minister Shahid Highlights Future Prospects Of The Indian Ocean Region At The India Today Conclave-South

As part of his formal visit to India, the Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Shahid spoke at the India Today Conclave-South at the session entitled, “Neighbourhood Navigation: The Common Water: Old Ties, New Strategies. He was joined by the Minister of Foreign Relations of Sri Lanka, Dinesh Gunawardena – who participated virtually, and Member of the Board of Governors of India Foundation, Ram Madhav, at the panel.

One important topic discussed by Minister Shahid in this session was the future prospects of the Indian Ocean Region. He highlighted that the establishment of democratic peace and stability in the region has created a favorable environment for the development of a collaborative, rules-based order, which will in turn foster the continued growth and overall development of the countries in the Indian Ocean Region. He further went on to stress the central role that India plays in creating an atmosphere for building confidence in the regional arrangements noting that the nation is an inspiration by leading the development of these mechanisms into strong and credible institutions that can foster regional peace and security, and ensure coordination and collaboration.

In addition to this, the Minister addresses the role of the Maldives in the region – pointing out that as the geographic location of the island country passes through the sea lines of communication making it an invaluable partner and an important link in global trade.

As such, the Maldives-India partnership is integral to maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean.

The India Today Conclave-South is a platform that brings together a number of speakers, offering their perspectives and helping to make sense of the fast-changing socio-political developments in the region. 

(Photo: Foreign Minister)