Jaishankar urges Commonwealth to diversify trade and supply chains

Commonwealth supply chains should be shorter and built on greater trust, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said after a leaders' breakfast meeting in St. John's on Wednesday. He urged member countries to reduce risks and diversify their economic relationships.

Jaishankar arrived on November 3 for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. This year's gathering focuses on accelerating partnerships and investment for a prosperous Commonwealth.

In social media remarks following the meeting of government and business leaders, he called for stronger local distribution and more connectivity corridors. He presented these as ways to support business among Commonwealth partners.

Skills and digital cooperation

Alongside Commonwealth supply chains, Jaishankar highlighted training and capacity building as areas that could widen the options available to member nations. He also identified the movement of skills between countries as a possible focus for the grouping.

He described the Indian business community around the world as an asset for the Commonwealth. His remarks linked cooperation between members with opportunities for business, economic growth and prosperity.

Digital public infrastructure was another part of his address. Jaishankar said digital systems could improve efficiency, governance and growth, placing them among the areas in which partners could deepen their engagement.

On climate action, he pointed to the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. He also drew on India's first-responder and humanitarian assistance experience to argue for local hubs supporting disaster relief.

During the gathering, Jaishankar met the British and Australian prime ministers. His discussion with the British prime minister included strengthening economic cooperation in the context of the India–U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, as well as the wider global situation, according to his social media account.

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