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India, Italy Discuss West Asia Crisis, Hormuz Blockade Risks

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, discussing the volatile situation in West Asia. They expressed strong mutual concern over the partial blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, citing serious risks to energy security and economic stability. The ministers agreed to coordinate actions to promote immediate de-escalation, ensure freedom of navigation, and preserve international market stability. Tajani also emphasized the crisis underscores the need for secure routes like the IMEC corridor, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni separately pledged defensive support to Gulf states.

Key Points: Jaishankar, Italy FM Discuss West Asia, Hormuz Blockade

  • Discussed West Asia & Gulf developments
  • Shared concern over Strait of Hormuz blockade
  • Aim to coordinate for de-escalation & freedom of navigation
  • Highlighted importance of IMEC corridor
  • Italy pledges defense support to Gulf states
2 min read

EAM Jaishankar, Italy FM discuss West Asia situation

EAM Jaishankar and Italy's Antonio Tajani held talks on West Asia, expressing concern over the Strait of Hormuz blockade and coordinating on de-escalation.

"The partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz poses a serious risk to energy security and the economic stability of our countries. - Antonio Tajani"

New Delhi, March 9

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held talks with Antonio Tajani, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on the situation in West Asia.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Appreciate the phone conversation with DPM & FM Antonio Tajani of Italy. Discussed the situation in West Asia."

Sharing details about the phone call, Tajani said that the two talked about the partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, he said, "I talked with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss developments in the Gulf and the entire Middle Eastern region. Europe and India are strategic partners: the partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz poses a serious risk to energy security and the economic stability of our countries."

"We shared a strong concern over the strategic implications and the protection of our citizens present in the area. In this context, we aim to coordinate our actions to promote an immediate de-escalation, ensure freedom of navigation, and preserve the stability of international markets--elements that are also essential for the full operation of the EU-India free trade agreement," he added.

He further said that the crisis shows the importance of strengthening infrastructure and new routes, like IMEC.

He said, "The crisis underscores how crucial it is to strengthen investments in new infrastructure and secure routes: the IMEC corridor is a clear example. To this end, we will dedicate a political and economic initiative to it on March 17 in Trieste, with the goal of bolstering our trade, digital, and energy connections and building together an economic space from which our businesses can benefit."

Meanwhile, Meloni on Thursday pledged air-defence support to Gulf states hit by retaliatory fire from Iran, and her defense minister said Italy would send "naval assets" to protect Cyprus. She is simultaneously insisting, however, that Italy will not give direct support to the US-Israeli war against Tehran, and noted that US bases in Italy are authorized only to offer logistical support, not to conduct offensive operations, Politico reported.

"We're not at war; we don't want to go to war," she told RTL radio on Thursday, as reported by Politico.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The mention of IMEC is very important. We need to diversify our trade routes and reduce dependency on volatile regions. This is a smart long-term strategy for India's economic security.
R
Rohit P
While diplomacy is good, I hope our government is also making concrete plans to protect Indian citizens and workers in the Gulf region. Their safety should be the top priority.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Italy's nuanced position - offering defence support but not direct involvement. It seems many nations are trying to walk a tightrope. India's balanced approach makes sense here.
V
Vikram M
The EU-India free trade agreement talks have been going on for so long. Maybe this shared security concern will finally give it the push it needs. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I feel our foreign policy sometimes reacts to events rather than shaping them. We should be more proactive in such regions, given our size and stakes. Still, glad talks are happening.
M
Michael C
Freedom of navigation is a global concern. If major shipping lanes get blocked, it will cause inflation worldwide. India and Europe coordinating on this is a positive step for global stability.

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