External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has urged Commonwealth countries to improve their supply chains by adopting shorter, safer, and more reliable routes for transporting goods and materials. He said better connections between countries could increase trade, support businesses, and strengthen economic growth.
Speaking at a meeting with business leaders during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of developing local networks for distributing goods. He also stressed the need to improve skills and help countries become more self-reliant.
In a social media post, Dr. Jaishankar described India’s global business community as an important resource for the Commonwealth. He said that cooperation between businesses and countries could help create new opportunities for trade and economic development.
He also highlighted the role of digital technology in improving business operations. According to him, digital tools can make businesses more efficient, improve governance, and support economic growth across member countries.
Dr. Jaishankar further called for stronger cooperation among Commonwealth nations to address climate change and natural disasters. He highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
He also emphasised the need to establish local support centres that can provide assistance during emergencies and help communities respond more effectively to disasters.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 countries from different parts of the world. Its members work together to promote cooperation, economic development, and shared progress. Dr. Jaishankar’s remarks highlighted the importance of stronger partnerships and improved connectivity in achieving these goals.