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Key Points

The Ministry of External Affairs organized the Indo-Pacific Economic Conclave in Kolkata to address regional challenges. Joint Secretary Ajay Kumar emphasized the focus on economic growth, sustainability, and clean energy transition. Expert deliberations from the two-day event will be compiled into a policy document for government use. The discussions align with India's broader Indo-Pacific vision and ongoing partnerships with other countries.

Key Points: MEA Joint Secretary Ajay Kumar Addresses Indo-Pacific Regional Challenges

  • Focus on economic growth and sustainability in Indo-Pacific region
  • Addressing trade constraints and cleaner energy transition
  • Compiling expert deliberations for government policymakers
  • Linking discussions to PM Modi's Sagar and IPOI initiatives
2 min read

Purpose is to address challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region: MEA Joint Secretary A Ajay Kumar

MEA Joint Secretary Ajay Kumar outlines key Indo-Pacific challenges including economic growth, clean energy transition, and maritime security at Kolkata economic conclave.

"The purpose is to look into a lot of challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region - A Ajay Kumar, MEA Joint Secretary"

Kolkata, September 19

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in partnership with the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, organised the third episode of the Indo-Pacific Economic Conclave in Kolkata to discuss maritime partnerships, regional challenges, and the impact of global trade dynamics.

Explaining the objective of the conclave, Ajay Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, said, "Yesterday and today, we have assembled a number of experts and diplomats from different countries in the Indo-Pacific, as well as experts from the Indian side and the business community. The purpose is to look into a lot of challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region."

He highlighted the key issues on the agenda. "The challenges include economic growth, sustainability, transition towards cleaner energy, trade constraints, and a gamut of issues. The purpose is to think over those issues and come up with some practical, pragmatic suggestions which our policymakers and government can look into. So this was the purpose for which we have assembled here."

Kumar stressed that the inputs gathered over two days would not go to waste but would be compiled for policymakers. "Over yesterday and today, there have been a lot of valuable inputs, very important, very thoughtful deliberations. We will prepare a document taking out all those deliberations and outcomes, which will be available to all of you, the public, the government, and policymakers. This is the purpose."

He also linked the discussions to India's broader Indo-Pacific vision. "There are a number of initiatives already announced at the highest level. You are all aware of the Prime Minister's vision for Indo-Pacific countries, Sagar, Mahasagar, and IPOI, and all these initiatives are evolving. This is not being done unilaterally. We are partnering with other countries, and it's an evolving process. As and when time comes, it will be informed to you at the appropriate level."

Pointing to global trade and shipping movement, Kumar underlined the challenges emerging in the maritime sector. "That is a new, emerging scenario. And certainly, as you asked, it will affect economic growth and trade. But our government is working on it, and we are talking to different countries and holding talks with them at different levels. At the appropriate time, it will come to you. So I won't be able to say anything about that."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see Kolkata hosting such important discussions. Eastern India has huge potential in maritime trade and this conclave should focus on developing our eastern ports to compete with Singapore and Colombo.
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David E
While the intentions seem good, I hope these discussions lead to concrete action plans. Too often such conclaves remain talk shops without measurable outcomes. The maritime challenges need urgent practical solutions.
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Ananya R
Clean energy transition in maritime sector is so important! Hope they discuss green shipping corridors and sustainable port infrastructure. India can lead the way in eco-friendly maritime development 🌊
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Vikram M
The Indo-Pacific region is becoming increasingly complex with geopolitical tensions. India's balanced approach and focus on economic cooperation rather than military posturing is the right way forward. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
Appreciate the transparency in compiling and sharing the deliberations. Hope the document reaches state governments and local businesses who are actually implementing these policies on the ground.

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