Fri Apr 11 15:39:46 UTC 2025: ## Jaishankar Highlights Global Economic Uncertainty, Emphasizes India-Italy Partnership
**Rome, Italy** – Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concerns Friday about the increasingly unpredictable global political and economic landscape, citing weaponized economic activity and over-concentrated manufacturing as major challenges. Speaking at the India-Italy Business, Science and Technology Forum alongside Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, Jaishankar noted the fragility of supply chains and disruptions to maritime shipping in the wake of ongoing global conflicts.
He highlighted the growing geopolitical competition leading to the weaponization of economic activities and the resulting concerns over manufacturing concentration and supply chain reliability. Jaishankar emphasized that nations are responding by diversifying trade partners and strengthening political and economic partnerships, mirroring India’s own approach.
India, he stated, is actively building resilient and trusted partnerships with like-minded countries, with Italy being a key partner due to complementary strengths in various sectors like energy, transport, and food processing. He specifically referenced the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), a landmark initiative finalized at the 2023 G20 Summit in Delhi, aiming to create a new global economic axis connecting Asia, the Middle East, and the West through extensive infrastructure networks. Jaishankar described IMEEC as a pathbreaking initiative for economic integration.
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