India will study the possibility of reviving a so-called cotton route to boost relations and exploit trade potential with nations across the Indian ocean region.
The decision to focus on the historically-important cotton route — which served as a trade as well as cultural link between India and other nations — seems to have been prompted by China’s recent move to highlight its own silk road. Historically, the silk road was a key route between China and the Mediterranean that not only helped trade but formed a cultural bridge between China, India, Persia, Greece and Rome.
Kolkata-based Institute of Social and Cultural Studies is organising a three-day conference titled ‘Renewing the maritime trade and civilisational linkages’ in Bhubaneswar, starting Friday, which will be inaugurated by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.
To start with, ISCS will set up two centres, one each in Delhi and Kolkata, to undertake research on the Indian ocean region, said Arindam Mukherjee, secretary of the institute. The centres will get funding from the government on project basis. The centre in Delhi would be devoted to research on trade and business, while that in Kolkata will handle cultural matters, he said.
The US and China will send observers to the conference, which will be attended by representatives from one-and-a-half-dozen countries. The valedictory session is expected to be attended by Manohar Parrikar. Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan, transport minister Nitin Gadkari and national security adviser Ajit Doval may also attend.
