Jaishankar Reaffirms India's Call for Dialogue, Diplomacy and Secure Global Trade During Bulgaria Visit

Speaking after a meeting with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova, Jaishankar said the world is passing through an exceptionally volatile and uncertain phase marked by multiple major conflicts, economic challenges, the lingering impact of the pandemic and the recurring threat of terrorism.

Emphasising India's long-standing position on global conflicts, Jaishankar stated that the country believes this is not an era of war and that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solutions to ongoing disputes. He stressed that peaceful engagement remains essential at a time when international stability is under increasing strain.

Addressing economic concerns arising from geopolitical tensions, Jaishankar underscored the importance of strengthening supply chain resilience and promoting greater diversification. He said economic risks can be mitigated through more reliable and diversified supply networks, while warning that maritime trade routes must remain secure and uninterrupted.

Highlighting India's role as the voice of the Global South, Jaishankar said the country has consistently raised concerns regarding energy security, food security and fertiliser availability. He reiterated India's call for unimpeded maritime trade and stressed the importance of addressing the challenges faced by developing nations amid global uncertainties.

On the issue of terrorism, Jaishankar asserted that the international community must maintain a policy of zero tolerance. He noted that India and Bulgaria shared common views on major global challenges, stating that there was a clear meeting of minds between the two countries on issues relating to conflict resolution, economic security, maritime trade and counterterrorism.

The External Affairs Minister's visit to Bulgaria included engagements with the country's senior leadership. High-level discussions were held with Bulgarian leaders, including Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation across a broad range of sectors and strengthening India's engagement with Bulgaria and the European Union.

During talks with his Bulgarian counterpart, Jaishankar said both sides reviewed the full spectrum of India-Bulgaria relations and explored new avenues of cooperation. Discussions particularly focused on the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement negotiations, the Strategic and Defence Partnership, and the Comprehensive Mobility Cooperation Framework.

Following his engagements in Bulgaria, Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Finland on June 11, where he will participate in the 14th edition of the Kultaranta Talks. The event will be held under the theme, "A World in Transition: Global, Regional and Local Perspectives." During the visit, he is also expected to hold meetings with his Finnish counterpart and other senior leaders, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Jaishankar's remarks come at a time of heightened global uncertainty, reinforcing India's emphasis on diplomacy, resilient economic partnerships, secure maritime trade and a united international approach against terrorism while deepening strategic engagement with European partners.