Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says IMEC was discussed extensively during Modi-Netanyahu talks, noting regional tensions impact progress. PM Modi links West Asia stability to India’s security and reiterates support for dialogue and the Gaza Peace Plan.
Emphasising the importance of regional connectivity, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday said the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was discussed “at some length” during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Briefing the media in Jerusalem at the end of Modi’s visit, Misri described IMEC as a priority initiative but acknowledged that prevailing regional tensions are affecting its pace. He noted that stable relations among participating countries are critical for the corridor’s successful implementation.
Despite these challenges, Misri said some countries are moving ahead with specific components of the project independently to sustain progress. He stressed that all stakeholders must work to ensure the “extremely important initiative” continues to advance.
During his bilateral discussions, Modi also reviewed cooperation under IMEC and the India-Israel-UAE-USA grouping, known as I2U2. The Prime Minister highlighted the need for enhanced regional cooperation and reiterated that peace and stability in West Asia are directly linked to India’s security interests.
“Today we also had extensive discussions on regional and global issues. While promoting regional connectivity, we will move forward with new momentum on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and India-Israel-UAE-USA, i.e., I2U2,” PM Modi said.“Peace and stability in West Asia are directly linked to India’s security,” he added.
The Prime Minister also stated that India has consistently supported dialogue and peaceful solutions in West Asia, while referring to efforts to de-escalate tensions and noted that the Gaza Peace Plan has created a pathway towards peace that India fully supports.
“Therefore, from the beginning, we have supported dialogue and a peaceful solution. This is the call of the Global South and all of humanity. India’s thinking is clear: Humanity must never become a victim of conflict. The Gaza Peace Plan has created a path for peace,” the Prime Minister said.
He affirmed that India will continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries to restore stability.
With inputs from agencies
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