New Delhi, March 27: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised the growing importance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) in strengthening global connectivity and supply chain resilience during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in France.
Addressing the session, Jaishankar noted that ongoing tensions in West Asia have reinforced the need for secure and diversified trade corridors. He stated that geopolitical uncertainties make a stronger case for resilient supply chains and alternative connectivity frameworks like IMEC.
He also highlighted that India’s expanding trade architecture—including Free Trade Agreements with the European Union, European Free Trade Association, and the United Kingdom—has significantly enhanced the utility and strategic relevance of the corridor.
Jaishankar further pointed to increasing global interest in IMEC, positioning it as a critical initiative for linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe through integrated infrastructure and logistics networks.
Beyond connectivity, the minister called for urgent reforms in the United Nations Security Council, alongside improvements in peacekeeping operations and humanitarian supply chains. He also raised concerns of the Global South, particularly around energy security, fertiliser availability, and food supply challenges.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Jaishankar held bilateral discussions with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, focusing on both bilateral ties and global developments.
His participation at the G7 meeting reflects India’s growing role in shaping global economic and strategic frameworks, particularly in areas of connectivity, trade, and supply chain resilience.
