Unveiling Visionary Strategy: EAM Jaishankar Highlights West Asia’s Crucial Role in India’s Economic & Strategic Future at Manama Dialogue
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar outlined India’s strategic vision for West Asia at the Manama Dialogue, emphasizing the region’s crucial role in India’s economic and strategic landscape. Jaishankar highlighted that India engages in significant trade, valued at $170-180 billion annually, with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Iran, and Iraq, and $80-90 billion with Mediterranean nations. A vital human connection exists, with a diaspora of 10 million Indians in the Gulf and half a million in the Mediterranean, reinforcing bilateral ties and economic growth.
Dr. Jaishankar underscored the pivotal role West Asia plays in India’s future energy security, particularly in emerging sectors like green hydrogen and green ammonia. The region’s importance extends beyond traditional energy resources, critical for India’s fertilizer imports and burgeoning technology and investment collaborations. India actively contributes to regional maritime security, maintaining a naval presence and engaging in bilateral exercises. India’s collaboration with Bahrain-based Combined Maritime Forces is notable.
A significant highlight was the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), introduced at the recent G20 Summit. This initiative, alongside projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor, aims to establish a comprehensive connectivity network stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Looking forward, Jaishankar projected India’s growth, stressing that as India approaches a $4 trillion economy expected to double this decade, its engagement with West Asia will intensify. He positioned India as a dependable partner, ready to assume greater responsibilities in the region’s development and security architecture. Addressing regional challenges, Jaishankar expressed support for peace initiatives like the Abraham Accords and the I2U2 grouping, comprising India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States, amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
The plenary session featured other notable speakers, including Tomáš Pojar and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and was chaired by IISS Director-General Dr. Bastian Giegerich, exploring the future of regional strategic cooperation.
Original Source: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/indias-strategic-vision-for-west-asia-eam-jaishankar-outlines-multi-billion-dollar-stakes-at-manama-dialogue/
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Publish Date: 2024-12-08 21:07:00
