Recent developments in the Red Sea highlight the necessity for establishing multiple connectivity routes, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Addressing a conference, he emphasized India's expanding ties with Europe and the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to foster global economic opportunities.

Jaishankar stressed the vulnerability of existing transport links, particularly evident in the Red Sea amid recent events in the Gulf of Aden. He underscored the urgency of diversifying connectivity corridors to ensure resilience, citing Europe and India as significant production and consumption hubs.

The IMEC, conceived as a counterbalance to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aims to bolster strategic influence. Jaishankar highlighted that the IMEC isn't the sole corridor, noting ongoing initiatives such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway project and the potential utilization of the polar route through the Indo-Pacific.

Additionally, Jaishankar showcased India's economic prowess and projected growth trajectory, emphasizing the importance of smoother economic collaboration with the European Union. India's GDP is expected to reach $7.3 trillion by the end of the decade and $30 trillion by its centenary year in 2047, making it a significant global economy. Jaishankar urged the European Union to recognize India's rising economic stature and adapt accordingly.