पश्चिम एशिया में चल रहे संघर्ष ने चिंताएँ बढ़ा दी हैं : एस. जयशंकर



External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday said the ongoing conflict in West Asia has raised concerns about many contemporary initiatives. "Disruptions in vital shipping routes, which have increased shipping costs and made it necessary to resume trade flows, are adding to our collective concerns," Jaishankar said while addressing the India-Mediterranean Business Conference in Delhi. India is focused on connecting the Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific through the Mediterranean region. "Our ties with countries in the region have grown in recent years, especially as the Indian economy has gained momentum.

Our trade reached $77.89 billion in 2023. We have also promoted investments in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy and technology," he said. The Mediterranean, with nearly 600 ports and handling nearly 25 per cent of global maritime trade, is set to be an important hub. The announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which integrates innovative logistics and sustainable practices, has the potential to significantly contribute to both growth and resilience.

In a volatile and uncertain world, security and stability must be an integral part of the calculation, he said. It is therefore natural that strengthening defence and security cooperation with Mediterranean countries should be parallel to deeper economic ties. Jaishankar further said urban infrastructure development is as important for the Mediterranean as it is for the rest of the world. He said, "A country like India, which builds two new metros and seven airports annually, can be a serious partner. Upgrading transport systems, enhancing public services and investing in smart city technologies are mutual opportunities.