External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concerns over the growing tensions between Israel and Iran, emphasizing that India’s diplomatic efforts are focused on addressing this issue. Speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain on Sunday, Jaishankar highlighted the impact of the conflict in West Asia on global trade, particularly the diversion of maritime routes and rising costs, which are of significant concern to India.
Jaishankar, on a two-day visit to Bahrain, addressed a range of economic and strategic issues, including preventing further conflicts and promoting connectivity initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North-South Trade Corridor (INSTC).”
In recent times, the relationship, or the lack of it, between Israel and Iran has become a key concern,” Jaishankar stated, without divulging details of India’s diplomatic efforts. He emphasized that India has a vested interest in mitigating the security challenges stemming from the region due to their impact on trade and economic activities.
India’s interests in West Asia are multifaceted, given its reliance on the region for energy supplies and the presence of nearly nine million Indian expatriates. While India has condemned Hamas-led terror attacks and hostage-taking, it has called for Israel’s response to consider humanitarian concerns and stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy toward a two-state solution.
Jaishankar also underscored the importance of West Asian nations as partners in security, noting that instability in the region has had a profound effect on trade routes and economic activities in Asia. He cited the diversion of maritime routes, rising insurance costs, and delays in shipping as significant concerns.
India’s naval presence in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, with up to 30 warships deployed in the region, is a testament to the country’s commitment to ensuring maritime security. Last year alone, Indian vessels responded to 24 incidents, escorted 250 ships, and rescued 120 crew members. Jaishankar reiterated that India is working in tandem with international partners, such as the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian and the Combined Maritime Force, to address security challenges.
On the subject of regional connectivity, Jaishankar discussed several key infrastructure projects, including the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral (IMTT) highway, INSTC, and IMEC. He envisioned a future where these corridors will connect the Atlantic to India and extend to the Pacific, significantly enhancing global trade and connectivity through southern Europe, the Arabian Peninsula, and Asia.
As India continues its diplomatic and security engagement in West Asia, Jaishankar’s statements reinforce the country’s active role in shaping regional stability and economic cooperation.
