India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underlined India’s efforts to develop major corridors to the east and west during the Raisi Round Table in Tokyo. Initiatives include the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) through the Arabian Peninsula, the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Trilateral Highway in Southeast Asia and the Chennai-Vladivostok route.
Once completed, this corridor is expected to establish a connection between the Atlantic and the Pacific through Asia.
Speaking at an event organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Jaishankar emphasized the convergence of views between India and Japan on the need for transparent and collaborative engagement.
He addressed the importance of strengthening defense capabilities, recognizing India’s responsibility as the voice of the Global South with development efforts spanning 78 nations across continents.
Referring to ongoing tensions in the Red Sea, Jaishankar highlighted the recent Houthi missile strike on a cargo ship off South Yemen, which resulted in casualties, and stressed the need to strengthen defense capabilities for the wider region.
The Houthis have targeted commercial and military shipping in the Red Sea since November, blocking global trade routes.
Jaishankar’s March 6-8 visit to Japan will include the 16th India-Japan Foreign Minister’s Strategic Dialogue with his Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa. Discussions are expected to cover bilateral, regional and global issues emphasizing cooperation for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Before Japan, Jaishankar visited South Korea, interacting with top leaders during his stay.
