- India Calls for Diplomacy: Jaishankar urged dialogue over violence in Ukraine and the Middle East, highlighting India’s mediation efforts.
- IMEC as a Connectivity Hub: The IMEC project is central to linking India, the Gulf, and Europe despite regional tensions.
- India’s Mediterranean Presence: With strong trade and diaspora ties, India is solidifying its role as a Mediterranean partner.
Today, in Fiuggi, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will carry a clear and consistent message to the G7 meeting: dialogue and diplomacy must prevail in addressing global challenges. His interventions at the 10th edition of the MED – Mediterranean Dialogues in Rome have already set the tone for India’s role in fostering stability, connectivity, and multilateral cooperation in an increasingly uncertain world.
A Call for Diplomacy in Ukraine
Jaishankar’s remarks on the ongoing Ukraine conflict underline India’s commitment to peaceful resolution through dialogue. “It is imperative to talk about the conflict in Ukraine,” he said during his speech in Rome. “We are entering the third year of this crisis, and no solution will emerge from the battlefield. India has always supported dialogue. This crisis cannot be solved with violence but through diplomacy.”
Jaishankar emphasised the personal efforts of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has engaged directly with leaders from both Russia and Ukraine. “We believe that common ground must be found, and everyone has a responsibility to work towards this goal,” Jaishankar stated, reflecting the sentiment of India and the broader Global South.
India’s Stance on the Middle East
Turning to the Middle East, Jaishankar condemned terrorism and violence while advocating for a long-term vision for the Palestinian people. “The situation is concerning, both for what has happened and what could happen,” he noted. “India supports a ceasefire and a two-state solution. It is imperative to talk about the future of the Palestinian people.”
He also highlighted India’s deep ties with the region, including an annual trade volume of $160-180 billion with Gulf countries and $80 billion with Mediterranean nations. Jaishankar pointed out that the area is home to 90 million Indian workers, including a significant diaspora in Italy. “The Mediterranean is important for India, presenting both opportunities and significant risks,” he observed, emphasising India’s growing role in the region’s stability.
The Strategic Importance of IMEC
At the heart of Jaishankar’s vision for the region is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which he described as a game-changer for connectivity and economic cooperation. “The Mediterranean presents opportunities and risks in a volatile and uncertain world. Connectivity will be the new element in our relationship,” he declared. While acknowledging complications posed by ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts, he highlighted progress in IMEC’s eastern segment, particularly among India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
Jaishankar also drew attention to I2U2, a cooperative format involving India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States. “This initiative should become more active shortly,” he added, signalling India’s broader engagement with the region through innovative multilateral platforms.
A Vision for the Indo-Mediterranean Future
Jaishankar’s statements resonate with Italy’s strategic ambitions in the Indo-Mediterranean region. Both countries view connectivity as a key to unlocking the region’s potential, with projects like IMEC and the Blue Raman cable linking Mumbai to Genoa as critical infrastructure for trade and digital communication. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who plans to visit India soon, has called IMEC “crucial” for regional stability and cooperation.
The iconic Italian naval vessel Amerigo Vespucci, currently en route to Mumbai, symbolises the strengthening ties between the two nations. This historic visit underscores the growing partnership between India and Italy in fostering shared prosperity and stability in the Indo-Mediterranean region.
Jaishankar’s G7 Message
As Jaishankar joins today’s G7 meeting in Fiuggi, his message will be clear: “Dialogue and diplomacy are the only paths forward.” Reflecting on the Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East, he stated: “The continuation of conflicts has destabilising consequences, especially for the Global South. Those capable of finding common ground must assume this responsibility.”
India’s pragmatic and principled approach, as articulated by Jaishankar, positions the country as a vital bridge between regions, championing peace, connectivity, and multilateralism.
