Indian Ocean Region is witnessing a sharp churning, says Jaishankar

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain in Muscat to address tensions and address challenges between New Delhi and Dhaka.
• Jaishankar warned of a “churning” in the region due to developments in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
• The meeting was focused on the India-Bangladesh bilateral relationship and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
• Jaishankar emphasized the need for a “coordinated flotilla” to develop the region due to developments in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
• He referred to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to move Gazans to Egypt and Jordan and the U.S. taking charge of redeveloping the area bombarded by Israel.
• Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the U.S. over Trump’s executive orders to impose “maximum pressure” on Iran and reviewing all sanctions waivers.
• Jaishankar cited India’s $4-billion package for Sri Lanka and vaccine donations as initiatives to promote cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.