In a phone call with Johann Wadephul, Germany’s foreign minister, Indian external affairs minister S. Jaishankar discussed the growing crisis in West Asia and its wider geopolitical and economic ramifications on Tuesday.
As India maintains diplomatic interaction with important global allies despite mounting tensions, Jaishankar said the two leaders discussed the changing circumstances in the region.
The Indian foreign minister has recently met with his Iranian, Italian, and Omanvian counterparts, continuing New Delhi’s practice of consulting with regional and international partners.
Attacks on US installations and allies in West Asia by Iranian drones and missiles in response to US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic on February 28 sparked the current crisis.
Prior to this, Jaishankar had a conversation with Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, who emphasised the importance of quick de-escalation, unfettered navigation, and market stability through concerted diplomatic efforts.
The energy supply of the world and the stability of the economies of Europe and India are both threatened by potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, according to Tajani. The strait is an important maritime route that links the Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
Aiming to improve digital and energy links between Asia and Europe, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is one possible trade and connectivity corridor he mentioned.
On March 17th, in Trieste, Italy, there will be a special political and economic initiative about the corridor to further connectivity and enhance economic cooperation among the participating regions.
