On 16-17 February 2025, H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, led the Thai delegation to the 8^th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, Oman, this year held under the theme "Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership." The conference was organised by the Indian Foundation in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman and the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India.

The conference gathered high-level representatives from countries involved, including 28 Ministerial representatives from more than 40 countries/organisations, to share their views on developments in the Indian Ocean region, focusing on enhancing maritime security, peace, stability, connectivity, economic growth, and sustainability in the region. The Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs highlighted Thailand’s strategic location, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and its role in promoting trade, sustainability, and connectivity in the region. He also placed emphasis on promoting the Blue Economy through cooperation with ASEAN, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Development of infrastructure and transportation of Ranong Port and the Landbridge project was also referred to in his remarks as vital factors in furthering multimodal transport and strengthening the Southern Economic Corridor. For Thailand, cooperation with existing regional mechanisms is essential, especially as Thailand is the current Chair of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) and BIMSTEC this year.

The Vice Minister took this opportunity to receive courtesy calls from Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Al-Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman, to discuss on ways to promote bilateral cooperation, and from Mr. Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary-General of BIMSTEC with focus on the preparation of BIMSTEC Summit and other related meetings to be held in Thailand this April.

Since 2016, the Indian Ocean Conference has served as a track 1.5 platform for discussion and exchange of views on relevant issues regarding the Indian Ocean, as well as for fostering collaboration among stakeholders. This year, the meeting emphasized the importance of building partnerships to address the challenges and opportunities that the Indian Ocean as the global commons can offer for the mutual benefit of all countries involved.