Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal will be participating in the ninth Indian Ocean Conference to be held in Mauritius from April 10 to 12. The conference, organized jointly by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the India Foundation, and the Government of Mauritius, is an annual event that gathers global leaders and experts to discuss key regional and global challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Khanal’s attendance marks the first foreign visit by a Cabinet minister since Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s government was formed on March 27.
Minister Khanal is expected to deliver a speech at the conference, with the topics for his address currently under preparation. Additionally, he is anticipated to engage with various counterparts from Asia and Africa during the event. The conference, held under the theme ‘Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance’, aims to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among countries bordering the Indian Ocean and major global powers with strategic interests in the region.
The Indian Ocean Conference focuses on crucial areas such as maritime security, economic development, environmental sustainability, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Established in 2016, the forum has become a significant platform for enhancing regional cooperation, with countries like India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, and Singapore actively participating in its activities. Over the years, the conference has addressed a wide range of issues, including traditional security concerns like naval power and territorial disputes, as well as contemporary challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and economic disruptions.
