Foreign Minister Vikram Misri deals with a press conference on the upcoming two -day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia in Nový Delhi 19 April 2025. Photo Credit: Mea via PTI Photo
Israel-Palestine’s conflict will not affect the economic corridor (IMEC) in India-State Europe, Foreign Minister Vikram Misri stated on Saturday (April 19, 2025), while introducing an overview of Indian relations with Saudi Arabia, hosting the premiere of Narendra Modi.
“Frankly, I do not necessarily see any organic connection between these two problems. The Indian position in the solution of two states is a long -term attitude. I do not think that something needs to be recalculated at this stage. IMEK can continue in parallel.
The IMEC project started during the G-20 summit in September 2023 in Nový Delhi, but received an evident failure only a few weeks later with an eruption of the Israeli Palestinian conflict on October 7, 2023. He added that the work will start immediately on the connection of electric networks, which he described as one of the “main pillars of the IMEC initiative”.
“Working with selected partners”
“The security situation in the region makes it seem that progress to the imec has frozen, but we have cooperated with selected partners,” Misri said, explaining that India is also working to control violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
“India has joined all major actors – Palestine, Israel and regional leaders such as Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia in itself,” Misri said, explaining that India is engaged in ensuring humanitarian vans and liberation of Israeli hostages.
Foreign Minister said that a visit to the Prime Minister in Saudi Arabia would provide the opportunity to “exchange notes” on regional and global issues, including the threat of navigation, which is Houth Rebel.
Probably energy agreements
This will be the third visit to Mr. Modi in Saudi Arabia, after previous trips in 2016 and 2019. He will meet the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. “The visit is important because of the obvious importance of Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner of India,” Misri said, quoting the role that Saudi Arabia plays in the energy security of India, as well as the large expattering populations hosting the kingdom.
“Saudi Arabia is the main voice in the Islamic world and is increasingly playing an important role in regional development,” he points to the role of the kingdom in bringing Russia and the United States to the negotiating table.
In the recent past, Saudi Arabia and India have begun to deepen defensive ties. “In 2024, we had the very first joint exercise of ground forces between the two countries. Two editions were held joint naval exercises,” Misri said, pointing to building capacities as an area where India supports Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is the fifth largest business partner in India and one of the best Indian energy suppliers. The total trade between the two countries was approximately $ 43 billion during the financial year of 2023-2024. Mega infrastructure projects are obtained from the involvement of Indian companies, Mr. Misri said. “We are looking at a more strategic outlook in the strategic partnership between the two countries and expect the upcoming visit to have some development,” Foreign Minister said, suggesting that energy agreements are likely to be signed during PM visit, except for several cauds.
Published – April 19, 2025 23:42
