Armenia Offers India Strategic Alternative Sea Trade Route Amid Houthi strikes on Red Sea

Defense News ,India :- Armenia's Minister for Labor and Social Affairs, Narek Mkrtchyan, emphasized the country's advantageous position to provide India with an alternative sea trade route, particularly with Europe, during the ninth edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Mkrtchyan outlined Armenia's commitment to collaboration in major regional and global projects, including the North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Gulf Black Sea transport, the transit corridor, and the development of the Chabahar port in collaboration with India and Iran.

The Raisina Dialogue, India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, serves as a platform to address critical global issues. Mkrtchyan underscored the significance of Armenia's proposal, considering the current global interest in alternative sea routes due to security concerns on traditional paths like those in the Red Sea, where commercial vessels have faced attacks.

Highlighting the importance of the proposal, the minister pointed to the recent Houthi attacks disrupting Red Sea trade routes, beginning in mid-November. The Houthi group linked these disruptions to its demands for an end to Israel's offensive in Gaza and the delivery of aid to Palestinians facing siege. Mkrtchyan reiterated Armenia's strategic position to offer India an alternative sea trade route, particularly in light of these challenges.

In addition to trade routes, the minister proposed collaboration between Armenia and India in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He suggested the formation of a global coalition where ministers from both countries can consult and stimulate investments in AI. Mkrtchyan highlighted the potential for collaboration on AI for social good, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental conservation planning.

He also proposed the establishment of a global AI innovation platform to facilitate the sharing of solutions and research between the two nations. This collaboration would not only strengthen ties but also contribute to advancements in AI technology with a focus on addressing societal challenges.

Bilateral dialogue between India and Armenia currently takes place through mechanisms such as Foreign Office Consultations and the Inter-Governmental Commission, covering trade, economic, scientific, technological, cultural, and educational cooperation. The Ministry of External Affairs released an official statement outlining these mechanisms for communication.

The ongoing ninth edition of the Raisina Dialogue, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), features Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as the chief guest and keynote speaker. The event, which commenced on Wednesday, is set to conclude on February 23. More than 100 nations are represented, with participants including ministers, National Security Advisors, senior officials, and representatives from various sectors such as industry, technology, and finance.