In response to escalating tensions in the Red Sea, Armenia's Minister for Labour and Social Affairs, Narek Mkrtchan, asserted that the nation is well-suited to provide India with an alternative trade route, particularly concerning Europe.

Mkrtchyan stated to news agency ANI at the ninth edition of the Raisina Dialogue in the national capital that Armenia possesses a strategic position to suggest to India an alternative sea trade route, particularly with Europe.

He further stated that the Armenian government is dedicated to establishing partnerships in significant regional and global initiatives, such as the North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Gulf Black Sea transport corridor, and the development of the transit corridor and the Chabahar port, a collaborative endeavour between India and Iran.

The Armenian minister underscored the importance of providing an alternative route, stating that it is crucial due to the growing interest from countries like India in seeking alternative sea routes for trade with Europe and the West. This comes amidst escalating attacks on commercial vehicles transiting through the Red Sea.

The attacks on commercial vehicles by Iran-backed Houthi rebels commenced in mid-November, with the group attributing the disruptions to their call for an end to Israel's offensive in Gaza and the provision of aid to Palestinians 'under siege'.

The surge in ship attacks in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians amidst their ongoing conflict with Israel, has disrupted global trade and heightened concerns of inflation.

The US State Department reported that a Panamanian-flagged tanker transporting crude oil to India was struck by a missile in the Red Sea. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency and British maritime security firm Ambrey, a Panama-flagged tanker was allegedly attacked 72 nautical miles (133 km) northwest of the port of Mokha, off Yemen.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in bilateral discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Munich, Germany, where both leaders addressed the imperative of safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Image source: NDTV News