Jaishankar Advocates India's Role as Key Mediterranean Partner

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India as a reliable partner for Mediterranean nations, emphasizing enhanced engagement and significant advances in trade, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure. He also addressed concerns over disruptions caused by West Asia conflicts.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday highlighted India's potential as a reliable partner for Mediterranean economies, emphasizing the desire to bolster India's engagement in the region. Noting that trade levels hit USD 77.89 billion last year, Jaishankar pointed to significant progress in India's relationships with Mediterranean countries.

Speaking at the CII India Mediterranean Business conclave 2024, Jaishankar remarked on the promising perspectives opened by the India-Middle-East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), unveiled at the last year's G20 Summit in New Delhi. He mentioned India's leadership in renewable energy, highlighting the 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' initiative, aimed at building a transregional green grid for renewable energy transfer.

Jaishankar also underscored India's impressive development trajectory, including the construction of new metros and airports, positioning the country as a strong partner for Mediterranean economies. He projected India, currently the world's fifth largest economy, to become the third largest by the decade's end.

Expressing a commitment to deepen ties with the Mediterranean region, Jaishankar cited initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, designed to attract investors and stimulate growth. He also spoke about the potential of an integrated digital corridor between India and the Mediterranean, essential for the secure flow of information, data, and digital transactions.

Addressing the impact of ongoing conflicts in West Asia, Jaishankar noted the resulting disruptions to shipping routes and increased shipping costs, raising concerns about these contemporary challenges and their effect on essential initiatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)