Mumbai, April 22: Dr. Vijay Kalantari, Chairman of the World Trade Center (WTC) Mumbai and President of the All India Association of Industries (AIAI), expressed concerns over the ongoing crisis in West Asia, stating that the future of the upcoming meeting in Pakistan remains uncertain.
In an exclusive conversation, he noted, “There is a meeting scheduled in Pakistan. However, there has been no clear message from Iran regarding its participation. Some are saying the meeting will take place, but according to recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, if conditions are not met, they will destroy tanks and power plants. This suggests that the likelihood of the meeting occurring is low.”
Kalantari referenced recent attacks on Indian vessels, mentioning that these ships were entering the area at the time of the incidents. Fortunately, Indian ships related to gas and oil faced fewer issues compared to others from different countries. He remarked, “The attacks seem to be a case of ‘wrong identification.’ They were not intentional.”
He pointed out the positions of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, indicating their support for continuing the war due to perceived threats. Israel is also opposing a ceasefire regarding Lebanon. However, Trump has mentioned the possibility of a ceasefire. Kalantari stated, “If Trump genuinely wants a ceasefire and if Israel does not receive support from the U.S., then a ceasefire could happen. Israel plays a crucial role in this entire matter and will continue to do so.”
In the context of the South Korean President’s visit to India, Kalantari emphasized the need to boost trade between the two nations. He stated, “Currently, trade between India and South Korea is approximately $25-27 billion. We believe this could increase to $50 billion by 2030. This goal is entirely achievable. Both countries can collaborate in several sectors, including steel, artificial intelligence, technology, shipbuilding, semiconductors, and green energy. This visit from Korea is extremely important and will significantly enhance mutual trade.”
Dr. Vijay Kalantari expressed satisfaction with India’s defense exports, noting a 62% increase in the defense sector this fiscal year. He reported, “We have exported defense equipment worth ₹38,000 crore (approximately $4.6 billion) this year. I am confident that the vision Prime Minister Narendra Modi has will be realized in the next five years. India is becoming a reliable supplier of defense equipment on a global scale.”
Kalantari emphasized that despite global uncertainties, India’s economy is built on a strong foundation. Even while facing challenges from the West Asia crisis, India is actively seeking new opportunities for trade and investment. The partnership with South Korea and advancements in defense exports are significant steps in this direction.
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