Key facts
- India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the current global situation is not an 'era of war'.
- He advocated for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary solutions to resolve international conflicts.
- Jaishankar emphasized the need for resilient supply chains and unimpeded maritime trade.
- India has highlighted concerns regarding energy, food, and fertilizer security.
- India and Bulgaria agreed on a policy of zero tolerance for terrorism.
- Discussions between India and Bulgaria focused on expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening India's engagement with the EU.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has articulated India's stance that amidst escalating global conflicts, dialogue and diplomacy are the essential paths forward, stating, "this is not an era of war." Speaking in Sofia after meetings with Bulgarian leaders, Jaishankar highlighted the volatile global landscape, marked by multiple major conflicts, economic security concerns, the recent pandemic, and the persistent threat of terrorism.
Jaishankar emphasized the importance of supply chain resilience and diversification to mitigate economic risks arising from geopolitical instability. He also stressed that maritime trade must remain unimpeded and safe. Representing the Global South, India has consistently voiced concerns over energy, food, and fertilizer security, advocating for unimpeded global trade in these essential commodities.
During his visit to Bulgaria, Jaishankar held high-level talks with Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova. The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors and strengthening India's partnership with both Bulgaria and the European Union. Both nations affirmed a commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism, finding a "meeting of minds" on this and other critical issues.
The talks also reviewed the full spectrum of India-Bulgaria relations, exploring new avenues for cooperation, particularly in light of the conclusion of India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, the Strategic & Defence Partnership, and the Comprehensive Mobility Cooperation Framework. Following his visit to Bulgaria, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Finland to participate in the 14th edition of the Kultaranta Talks.