Commonwealth nations must strive to reduce risk and diversify

Commonwealth partners need to work towards reducing risk and increasing diversification, stated India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Speaking at the Commonwealth Heads of Government and Business Leaders breakfast meeting in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, he emphasised the need to increase local distribution among member nations.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Jaishankar arrived in St. John's on Tuesday to participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Following Wednesday's session, he posted on social media stating that Commonwealth partners need to reduce risk and diversify, which will require shorter and more reliable supply chains.

He further added that Commonwealth countries should make more efforts to increase local distribution and that more connectivity corridors are beneficial for business. He stated that training and capacity building should be encouraged as it provides partners with more options. Jaishankar described the Indian business community spread across the world as an asset for the Commonwealth.

Speaking on Digital Public Infrastructure, he said that the digital sector is a game changer as it promotes efficiency, good governance, and growth. He mentioned that the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure can be leveraged for climate action. Sharing India's experience in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), he said that our first responder experience and HADR activities suggest the need for local hubs.

Jaishankar stated that ease among Commonwealth countries can create business for growth and prosperity, and mobility of skills can be a vital focus for the Commonwealth. The theme of this year's CHOGM is to accelerate partnership and investment for a prosperous Commonwealth.

During this meeting, Jaishankar also met with United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Following the meeting with Burnham, he stated on social media that they discussed strengthening economic partnership in the context of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the global landscape.

S. Jaishankar is India's External Affairs Minister. He has played a significant role in managing India's foreign policy and international relations.