NEW DELHI – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Mauritius and the UAE from April 9 to April 12, 2026. This marks the first visit by an Indian minister to the region since the outbreak of the conflict in Iran, signaling a strategic shift toward regional stabilization.
Diplomatic Agenda
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Mauritius (April 9): The EAM will first attend the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), focusing on maritime security and regional cooperation.
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UAE (April 10-12): Discussions in the UAE will center on energy security and the protection of trade routes following recent disruptions.
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Strategic Context: The visit follows a breakthrough two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran. President Donald Trump described Tehran’s 10-point conditions for the truce as “workable.”
Regional Impact and Energy Security
India has officially welcomed the ceasefire, emphasizing the need for “de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy.”
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Strait of Hormuz: A primary focus of the visit is ensuring the unimpeded freedom of navigation. Iran has agreed to reopen the vital passage for shipping, though a transit charge will now be applied.
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Conflict Recovery: The visit aims to address the aftermath of ‘Operation Epic Fury’ and subsequent retaliatory strikes that impacted major Gulf hubs, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
India-US Coordination
The diplomatic momentum is further supported by high-level talks in Washington. Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador to India, met with President Trump at the White House just hours before the ceasefire announcement to discuss global stability and the future of India-US ties.
