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Israel Iran Relations: India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday (8 December 2024) that tensions between Israel and Iran are a “cause for concern” and India’s diplomatic efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue. In his address at the Manima Dialogue in Bahrain, he said that it is necessary for India to reduce the security situation in the region, as it impacts trade. He said that due to this, diversion of sea routes and increase in trade costs are a cause for concern.
Jaishankar also said that India has an important contribution in security relations with the countries of West Asia, because war and unrest in this region have a deep impact on the trade of Asia. He cited changes in sea routes, increase in insurance rates and increase in shipping costs as part of the problem. India has an interest in this issue as it is dependent on energy supplies from the region and is home to approximately nine million Indian expatriates.
India’s security activities and contribution to the maritime sector
India has strengthened its naval presence in the Gulf region in recent years. India responded to 24 incidents last year and protected more than 250 ships. The External Affairs Minister said that India is part of Operation Prosperity Guardian and the Combined Maritime Force, which is centered in Bahrain. There are plans to increase India’s security efforts in this region.
Emphasis on connectivity projects
Jaishankar also highlighted connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Triangular Highway (IMTT), the International North-South Trade Route (INSTC) and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). He said that upon completion of these projects, IMEC will one day connect the Atlantic to India, while IMTT will connect India to the Pacific Ocean, thereby establishing a global connectivity route through Southern Europe, the Arabian Peninsula and the continent of Asia.
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